Is an endowment permissible for a purpose involving sin or disbelief?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations
Primary text
An endowment is invalid if established for the purpose of sin, such as funding a house of fire (or a house of immorality), synagogues, churches, or the books of the Torah and the Gospel, because establishing such institutions is an act of disobedience. These books are considered altered and abrogated. The Prophet, peace be upon him, expressed anger upon seeing 'Umar holding a scroll containing a portion of the Torah, stating, 'Are you in doubt, O son of Al-Khattab? Have I not brought it pure and clear? If Moses, my brother, were alive, he would have no option but to follow me.' This anger indicates that such an act constitutes disobedience.
Supporting text
Endowing for the lamps, furnishings, upkeep, or caretakers of a church is treated as an endowment for the church itself because it serves to glorify it. This validity applies regardless of whether the endower is a Muslim or a Dhimmi (non-Muslim subject).