Can Masjid Donations Be Used for Decorative Lighting?
بِسْمِ اللہِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
What is the Ruling on Using Masjid Funds for Illuminations?
Darulifta Ahlesunnat (Dawateislami)
Question
What do the scholars of Islam say regarding the following matter: Can we buy lights for illumination (decorative lighting) in the masjid using the masjid’s donation money? Buying is easier because, nowadays, lights can be bought at a much lower price compared to renting them. This would make it easy to arrange illuminations on various occasions, such as the major nights of Shab-e-Barāʾat and Ramadan al-Mubārak.
Questioner: Muhammad Hasan Attari (Light House, Bab-ul-Madinah Karachi)
Answer
Masjid donations are given for the standard expenses of the masjid. For example: construction, paying utility bills, salaries of the imam, muezzin, and staff, and expenses for cleaning.
The ruling regarding using this donation for illuminating the masjid is that if the donors have given explicit or implicit permission, it can be done; otherwise, it is not allowed.
"Explicit" permission means that while collecting donations for the masjid, it was clearly stated: "We will also use your donation for lighting the masjid on the occasion of the Blessed Mawlid and other auspicious nights," and the donor gave permission.
"Implicit" permission means the donors know that this masjid is illuminated on the occasion of the Blessed Mawlid and other significant nights (including the nights of Ramadan), and they know the masjid donation is used for it.
If there is explicit or implicit permission, it is allowed to either buy the lights or rent them. That option should be chosen which is more beneficial for the masjid. However, the best way is to collect a separate donation for purchasing lights for the masjid for RabīꜤ al-Awwal and other occasions, or to ask a generous person to buy these lights and donate them to the masjid.
وَاللہُ اَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَ رَسُوْلُہ اَعْلَم صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَ سَلَّم
(Allah Almighty knows best and His Messenger صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَ اٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knows best.)
Answered By: Molana Muhammad Shafiq Attari Madani
Date: Islamic Magazine Faizan e Madina July 2026