Question:
The government apparently gives ₹15,000 as assistance for minority communities.
But those managing the local Jamaat (mosque committee) say: “If we help you get the ₹15,000 from the government, you must give ₹5,000 to the mosque.”
Is it Permissible for a mosque to do the above process?
Answer:
Islamic Ruling on This Practice
First of all, this is clearly haram. It is unlawful to take someone else’s wealth without their full and willing consent.
Allahﷻ says in Surah An-Nisa (4:29): “O believers! Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, except through trade conducted by mutual consent.”
This means wealth can only be taken through legitimate and mutually agreed transactions, such as trade.
For example: If I buy something for ₹10 and sell it for ₹12, that is lawful.
The buyer willingly gives the money. But here the government gives ₹15,000 for that individual, not for the mosque.
Why should someone else take ₹5,000 from it?
Service Charges vs Exploitation
If someone helps with paperwork and spends effort, they may take a reasonable service fee.
For example: ₹100, ₹200.
That would be understandable if the person willingly gives it. But taking ₹5,000 out of ₹15,000 is excessive and unjust. That becomes oppression. And worse, it is done in the name of the mosque.
How can a mosque collect money through injustice?
Severe Warnings in the Qur’an
Allahﷻ strongly condemns those who consume people’s wealth unjustly. In Surah An-Nisa (4:161) Allahﷻ says the Jews were cursed partly because they consumed people’s wealth unjustly.
In Surah At-Tawbah (9:34) Allahﷻ says: “Many priests and rabbis consume people’s wealth unjustly.”
This is a serious warning. Those who take money unfairly from people will face punishment.
Responsibility of Mosque Leaders
People elect Jamaat leaders to serve the community. They are expected to help people. Helping people receive government benefits should be done as service, not as an opportunity to exploit them.
If expenses occur, a small voluntary amount may be accepted. But demanding ₹5,000 is exploitation.
Therefore: This practice is clearly haram.
