Praise be to Allah.
The Standing Committee was asked whether it is permissible to spend zakah money in refurbishing the mosque etc. They replied as follows:
With regard to zakah, it is only to spent in eight ways which are specified by Allah in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything)”[al-Tawbah 9:60]
Mosques are not one of the eight categories mentioned in the aayah, which limits the spending of zakah to these eight. And Allah is the Source of strength.
