Giving zakat and sadaqah is seen in Islam as a religious duty that would receive significant rewards from Allah (SWT). Sadaqah is a voluntary charity, but zakat is a compulsory charge on Muslims’ wealth. Mosques are Muslim places of prayer and collective hubs, and they can be constructed using funds from both zakat and sadaqah.
Building a Mosque
Constructing a mosque is a good deed that gives advantages to the community and the individual. It gives Muslims a location to pray, learn about Islam, and socialise with other community members. Mosques play a significant role in the society by providing a range of services like social welfare, healthcare, and education.
The Advantages of Giving Zakat and Sadaqah When Building a Mosque
When constructing a mosque, there are various benefits to providing zakat and sadaqah. Among these advantages are:
- Gaining Allah’s Pleasure: Giving zakat and sadaqah is a means to please Allah and get His benefits. The Quran says “Truly, believers will be in gardens of delight, their garments will be silk, and they will stand out in pearls and gold. And they shall sip from pure wine cups. They are promised something in exchange for their actions.” (Quran 56:54–57)
- Purifying One’s Wealth: Giving zakat and sadaqah help in purifying one’s money. It avoids any unjustified profits and guarantees that one’s money is put to good use.
- Increasing One’s Wealth: In reality, zakat and sadaqah giving are ways to improve one’s financial situation. Allah (SWT) promises to increase the benefits of people who donate to charity.
- Atoning for Sins: Performing sadaqah and zakat helps purify the soul and apologise for misdeeds. According to the Prophet (ﷺ), “Charity puts out the fire of Hell.”
- Building Community: Developing a mosque contributes to the growth of a strong and active Muslim community. It offers a location where Muslims may gather and assist one another.
- Promoting Education: Mosques frequently provide educational programs, like Islamic studies and Quranic lessons. These efforts help in educating Muslims about their religion and providing them with life skills.
- Providing Social Services: Social services including food banks, clothing drives, and counselling are frequently offered by mosques. By providing these services, the community’s needs are met and the lives of those in need are improved.
- Preserving Islamic Heritage: Mosques are important representations of Islamic culture. They maintain the memory of the early Muslims and the Prophet (ﷺ).
- Fulfilling a Religious Duty: All Muslims have an Islamic duty to pay zakat. It is among Islam’s Five Pillars.
- Gaining Peace of Mind: Giving sadaqah and zakat can promote satisfaction and relaxation. It is a means to discover purpose in life and establish a connection with Allah (SWT).
How To Give Zakat and Sadaqah for Building a Mosque
Zakat and sadaqah for the construction of mosques can be given in a number of ways. Among them are:
- Donating Cash: You can directly contribute money to a mosque or a project to build one.
- Donating Materials: Donating construction supplies like bricks, cement, and plywood is one option.
- Donating Labor: You can assist in the construction of the mosque by offering your time and expertise as volunteers.
- Donating Land: Donating land is one way to help build the mosque.
Conclusion
It is a great deed that benefits the community as a whole and the individual to give zakat and sadaqah when constructing a mosque. It is a means of obtaining Allah’s pleasure, increasing one’s riches, cleansing for sins, fostering community, advancing education, offering social services, protecting Islamic heritage, carrying out one’s religious obligation, and finding mental peace. Please think about giving zakat and sadaqah to the construction of a mosque in your neighbourhood, if you are able.