Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question: Assalamualaykum

Is it permissible for a Muslim, either financially or practically, to assist in the urgent repair of a synagogue, church, temple? If not, please make the rationale clear. Jazakallah.

Answer:Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

It is not permissible to do this. The reason is that Allah Has ordered us in the Holy Quran to help and support each other in goodness and piety, and must not help one another in sinful actions or wrongdoings. In this regard, he says, ‘And help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression.’ (Surah Al Ma’idah, verse 2). When one looks at the synagogues, churches and temples, one will see that though these are religious buildings, they are involved in preaching and teaching such messages that are in opposition to the truth as revealed by Allah.

The synagogues are places of worship for the Jews who disbelieved in the prophethood of Isa (A.S) and openly violated the teachings of Moosa (A.S). The churches are places of worship for the Christians who have deified Isa (A.S) and his mother. They have also lied against Allah by saying that He begot a son. The temples are places of worship for the polytheists (Mushrikeen). They are those who have joined partners with Allah and are guilty of shirk. All places of worship are medias through which their teachings are propagated and practiced. That which takes place at these places is in reality, a propagation of falsehood and an invitation to that which is against the truth. Hence, it is not permissible for a Muslim to help and support such places which are involved in the propagation of falsehood. Help and kindness can be extended to individuals who are non Muslims for the sake of removing poverty, difficulties, sufferings etc., however, when it comes to assistance and support to propagate their religion and religious beliefs, this is not permissible.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

3/5/2014