New Delhi, July 1: Following the controversy surrounding donations to the Ram Temple, a debate has emerged regarding the management of donations received by religious institutions. In this context, Congress leader Rashid Alvi and Syed Fareed Ahmed Nizami, the head of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Committee, shared their views on the distribution of donations and zakat in mosques, madrasas, and dargahs.
Rashid Alvi stated in an interview that zakat is not meant for mosques. Instead, it is intended for the needy and the poor. Mosques are managed by a committee where an imam leads prayers, and people leave afterward. There is no system within mosques that raises questions of misappropriation. Comparing temples and mosques is inappropriate, as they are centers of different faiths. The events surrounding the Ram Temple have undermined the faith of millions. He expressed skepticism about the investigation conducted by the SIT, suggesting it seems more like a facade, making it difficult to reach the actual culprits.
Alvi further explained that different committees manage dargahs. Donations received are utilized for running community kitchens, preparing food, and assisting the poor. Islam does not permit the worship of any shrine or khanqah. If devotees offer a chadar, it is later distributed to those in need, and any monetary donations are also used for the benefit of the poor. To date, there has been no reported case of misappropriation in any khanqah or dargah.
Syed Fareed Ahmed Nizami commented that the funds received by mosques and madrasas are regularly spent on their operations and the welfare of students. Dargahs do not accept zakat. People typically donate zakat to madrasas, where it is used for students’ education, food, and accommodation. In khanqahs associated with Sayyid families, accepting zakat is considered religiously inappropriate. Even if someone wishes to give zakat, they cannot accept it due to religious beliefs.
Nizami added that donations for cemeteries and mosques are utilized for their respective purposes. If someone donates for a community kitchen, it is used for that specific purpose. These institutions do not receive large sums of money; rather, any amount received is spent according to necessity. If any unusual cases arise, they should be viewed in that context and not compared with other religious institutions.
In response to AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement, which suggested that if a Muslim were part of the trust, they would be encountered, Nizami refrained from commenting on anyone’s intentions. He noted that if an innocent person suffers injustice or if their home is demolished without cause, it is a serious injustice. Conversely, if a guilty person is deliberately let go, that is equally unjust.
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