Membership Fees in Masajid
By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
POSTED: 18 SHAWWAL 1423, 23 DECEMBER 2002
Q.) What is the Shariah's view on membership fees paid monthly or annually to local Masjid?
A.) During the time of Nabi Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, there was always a need for funds to further the cause of Deen - Islam. Nabi Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam would exhort and encourage the Sahaba, Radi-Allahu anhu, to spend according to their means. Contributions to the Musjid should be on a Lillah (non-obligatory) basis and not under obligation of membership.
Furthermore, the Masjid is for the benefit of all the Muslimeen (believers). Therefore, the concept of membership is contrary to the spirit of inclusivity. In fact it is a common practice of the Christians, Jews and Hindus whose holy places are full with elitism and financial prejudice. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
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www.albalagh.net/qa/membership_fees_masjid.shtml
This is regarding membership alone, so how much further away from the spirit of inclusivity are we when we go even further and restrict membership.
here is another response by mufti Waseem khan :
islamqa.org/hanafi/darululoomtt/52317
[quote]A masjid is the house of Allah and those who frequent it are all equal in being Muqtadis and members. Since all members are equal in being a part of the Masjid, no one must be preferred above the other on account of a fee which is paid.
If you implement the system of ‘paid membership’, then you are actually saying that those who pay ‘the fee’ are legitimate members, while those who do not pay are not legitimate members. This however, is totally wrong and is against the teachings of Islam. The masjid belongs to Allah, and is not in the ownership of anyone. Hence, you cannot charge a Muslim a fee to be a member, nor can you ask him to pay a fee in order to obtain special benefits and privileges. This is not permissible in Islam. All Muslims who frequent a certain Masjid, are equal with respect to their right of attendance, and their right of general benefits and privileges........