Using the Sadaqatul Fitr Money to Purchase Land for a Madrasah

Question: The Birmingham Masjid Trust wishes to purchase a piece of land adjacent to the Masjid to build a Madrassah for children since there are no viable arrangements in place for the Islaamic education of the children. If the situation proceeds as is there can be no hope of the future generation having and relationship with the Deen. The problem is a shortage of funds. However, we do have some money from Sadaqatul Fitr funds. Can this be used to purchase the properly?

Answer: The rule with regard to Sadaqatul Fitr is that it be paid before Eid salaah, although it is permissible to pay is beforehand as well. If a person has not paid it by then, he should rush to do so because it is not waived. How then it is possible for your trust to have such a large amount of Sadaqatul Fitr still with you? This is indeed strange and regrettable.

If your financial situation truly is such that you are unable to purchase land immediately or in the foreseeable future for a Madrassah, the money may be used for it on condition that it is done by a strategy that complies with the Shari'ah. Such strategies can be employed only when the need is urgent and without one. it will not be permissible to use the Sadaqatul Fitr money because doing so will be destroying the right that the poor have to the money. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3