Can Zaka't be used for Mosques? A friend of mine in USA had given part of his zakat to a mosque that is being used by black and newly converted Muslims. Another mutual friend informed him that zakat is not for use for construction and upkeep of mosques. What ever knowledge I had favored the second view. Now the friend in USA has revert back and said that he has been advised by some one 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 zakat. Although there is some logic in the contention but I feel this cause should be supported by donations over and above zakat. I also have in mind your saying that zakat 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. Reply In my opinion, zaka't can be spent on the construction and maintenance of mosques. One of the accounts on which zaka't can be spent has been mentioned in the Qur'an as: "fi Sabi'l Allah"... that is, "in Allah's way". I strongly feel that construction and maintenance of mosques is directly related to this account. "Ta`li'f 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. I hope this helps. Regards The Learner