Money Given by a Society Dealing in Interest for the Mosque, the Imam and the Like

Question

(1) Several Muslims have jointly formed a society, had it approved by the government and also registered it. The work of this society is to distribute money to the public and to recover it in instalments together with interest. In short, the earnings of these people are purely interest. If this society, or any one of them individually, wishes to give some amount as a donation for the mosque, an Arabic madrasa, the Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) of blessed Ramadan and the like, may it be accepted?

Answer

(1) Spending interest money on the mosque, Laylat al-Qadr and the like is not permissible. If it cannot be returned to the original owner, it should be given in sadaqa to the poor; it may also be spent on poor students, that is, given to them for their food and clothing. Giving it for the construction of an Arabic madrasa and the like, or for salaries, is not proper. (2)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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