Resolution No. (291) (11/2020) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
"Ruling on Transferring Donations in Favor of another Mosque "
Date: (16th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1441 AH), corresponding to (6/8/2020 AD).
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
In its 10nth meeting held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed the letter No. (2/1/1/15576) sent from the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites about allowing the withdrawal of funds from the accounts of the mosque`s working construction committees entrusted with collecting donations as well as the non-working committees relieved from this duty. The purpose is paying mosques` electricity and water bills and installing solar systems for them, in addition to covering other expenses. Could Your Grace clarify the ruling of Sharia on this?
In principle, a donation must be spent according to the intention of the donor since the latter entrust the Mosques` Construction Committees do so. However, when a mosque has a surplus of donations, then there is no sin in transferring it to the benefit of another mosque, of course, after approval of the Awqaf Council. It is stated in the Hanbali book [Khash-shaf al-Qhinaa`, vol.4/pp..295]: "When there is a surplus in a mosque`s items (lamp oil, rugs and the like) and it was sold, then it is permissible to transfer the money to the benefit of another mosque for it will be spent for the same purpose." And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.
Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh
Dr. Mahmoud al-Sartawi, Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi, Member
Dr. Majed al-Darawsheh, Member
Dr. Ahmad al-Hasanat, Member
Judge Khalid Woraikat, Member
Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodaat/Member
Dr. Amjad Rasheed/Member
Dr. Jamil Khatatbeh/Member
Dr. Mohammad Younis Al-Zou`bi/ Member