Claiming back donated funds

Question:-

A person donates R10 000.00 towards the Masjid building fund. Part of the funds have already been used towards the Masjid project. He is now demanding that the funds be returned to him as he wishes to contribute it to another Masjid. He actually requires funds, so he will contribute part of the funds to another Masjid and keep part of the funds for himself. Is it correct for him to request that his funds are returned?

Answer:-

The funds donated to a Masjid or Madrasah is Sadaqah. When the funds enter the ownership of the organization, it is not correct to claim back the funds, as the funds are out of the ownership of the donor and he has attained reward in lieu of his contribution.

   الصدقة كالهبة لا تصح الا بالقبض ولا رجوع في الصدقة لان المقصود هو الثواب وقد جصل –  الهداية ص295  ج3

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 23 Shawwal 1443 / 25 May 2022