Title: Can Zaka'h be Spent for Mosques? Question: A friend of mine in USA had given part of his Zaka'h to a mosque that is being used by black and newly converted Muslims. Another mutual friend informed him that Zaka'h is not for use for construction and upkeep of mosques. Whatever knowledge I had favored the second view. Now the friend in USA has referred back and said that someone has advised him that since the mosques are not supported by the government or by any other endowments, only support they can get is from the community. This is mainly in the form of Zaka'h . Although there is some logic in the contention but I feel this cause should be supported by donations over and above Zaka'h . I also have in mind your saying that Zaka'h could be spent for "TALEF-UL-QULOOB" of new converts. I wonder if this case may qualify as such. I will be obliged if you could give your opinion on the issue; in general and particular to this case. Answer: In my opinion, Zaka'h can be spent on the construction and maintenance of mosques. One of the accounts on which Zaka'h can be spent has been mentioned in the Qur'an as: "fi Sabeel Allah" ... that is, "in God's way". I strongly feel that construction and maintenance of mosques is directly related to this account. "Ta`leef al-Quloob" , it must be understood, does not, in my opinion, include new converts. I believe it includes non-Muslims, who can be a threat to a Muslim state and whose hearts can be won in favor of the Muslim state by spending money. 17 th January 1999