Donations to Non-Muslim Groups

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:

Are we allowed to give money to non-Muslim religious organizations, intending to help them in their humanitarian work? For instance, a church group that serves thanksgiving dinner for the homeless, or helps them build homes, etc. Also, what about groups whose activities indirectly help the Ummah, such as anti-Zionist Jewish groups that help us to organize rallies and speak out against Israel? Do we have to make sure it doesn't go to their proselytizing efforts or is it enough that we make the intention to help their humanitarian work or political activity.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Walaikum assalaam,

The scholars mention that the Qur'anic command to "cooperate in righteousness" applies to cooperating with non-Muslims in promoting human good. As such, one can help humanitarian efforts, as long as there aren't strong reasons not to (such as the group having an immoral agenda, etc.).

Similarly, one should be careful with Church groups, because a lot of their humanitarian efforts have missionary underpinnings, as I found when I worked for almost two years with Catholic missionaries on an African news service.

Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani

MMVIII © Faraz Rabbani and Qibla.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of both copyright holders. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.

Now What?

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.

Through joining an online class at Qibla, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.

Related Links:

  1. Why you'll love our courses
  2. How SunniPath courses work (video)
  3. What our students say
  4. Our current available courses