Question
As a Mutawalli of a Musallah of my area, our committee has decided to collect donations via having young boys walk around in the masjid on jummah day with a collection box. I would like your assistance in guiding us in making the right decision and guidance in this regard.
Answer
It is makrooh and not advisable to collect funds like this in the musjid for the following reasons:
- It disrupts the musallees if some of them are making salaah.
2. If the lecture is on then it distracts the attention of both the speaker and the audience.
3. If this is done when khutba has commenced then of course, it is totally haraam.
4. Indirectly musallees are being compelled to contribute to the musjid, because one might feel embarrassed to let the box go pass without dropping anything into it when others are doing so. Then the intention is not for Allah but just to avoid embarrassment in the eyes of others.
5. One might feel embarrassed to drop a small amount in the box, even if a bigger amount is not affordable.
All this is contrary to the spirit of contributing to the cause of Allah Ta’ala.
I would advise to have a fixed collection box somewhere at the back of the musjid, as most of the masaajid have. Then whoever contributes will be doing so willingly and sincerely.
Allah knows best
Mufti Siraj Desai
Darul-Uloom Abubakr