Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Question:
Is it permissible to donate money for a church? I met someone who was collecting donations for the church and I gave them some money.
Answer:
Jazakumullahu Khayran/ Thank you for your question.
A Muslim’s actions and beliefs are based on the concept of tawhid (worship to the One and only Almighty God). Hence, a believer will do anything and everything related to this concept, while avoiding anything that is in contrast to the theme of tawhid, including donating to a place where entities other than God Almighty are worshiped.
However, if one donates to a place of worship in a non Muslim country with the intention to strengthen relations and for positive interaction with non Muslim neighbors, it would be acceptable.
In a covenant the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) established with the Christians of St. Catherine’s Monastery, he (peace and blessings upon him) advised Muslims to respect the rights of Christians and their places of worship.
“ِِِِAllah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Qur’an 60:8)
And Allah Knows Best
