Fund raising and Madaaris
vWasting on fund-raising functions
There was a jalsah (function) in Muradabad for raising funds for some Deeni project. My advice is: Close all these functions of waste in which huge sums of money of Muslims are destroyed. Rather contribute this money (which is wasted in organizing the function) to the Deeni project.
vDo what you are able to do
(Advising a principal of a Madrasah, Hadhrat Thanvi said): Render service to the extent of your ability. If the funds are depleted and all the mudarriseen (teachers) abandon their posts, then teach a few students at your home. This is within the scope of your ability. Do not fix any target for yourself. The objective of Deeni service is the Ridha (Pleasure) of Allah Ta'ala, and this (i.e. the acquisition of Allah's Pleasure) is not reliant on factors beyond one's volitional control. Always remember this principle. Acts which are within your ability should be adopted provided they are not futile. Never contemplate doing what is beyond your ability. If you conduct your life in this manner, both your Deen and dunya will be rectified. Such a person will not be the victim of worry and frustration. His heart will be attached to Allah Ta'ala. Peace of mind is a great treasure. Furthermore, only worry which is self-induced is harmful. Worry which comes of its own accord is not harmful. On the contrary it is beneficial.
vFund-rasing/collections
I detest that Ulama even mention the word fund-raising/collection. People slander the Ulama. They labour under the notion that the Ulama have established Madrasahs as a source of livelihood. Never venture at their doorstep for collecting funds. Do service for the Deen within the bounds of your ability. If funds are not forthcoming, let it be so. If our hearts become reformed, we shall be able to render service of the Deen as the Salaf-e-Saaliheen used to do. They were never in need of mansions. An Aalim should impart knowledge (i.e. dars and tadrees ) from his home (if he lacks the means for operating a conventional Madrasah). While I am not advocating closure of the Madaaris, I emphasize that they (the Madrasah authorities) should not exceed moderation (in building and other Madrasah expenditure). Madrasah are ventures of great virtue. But in every venture moderation must be rigidly observed.
vCharity is to give to Allah
Never apply pressure on any one to acquire funds (for charitable works). The work of Allah's activities of the Deen will never be halted. Contributing to any Deeni activity is to contribute to Allah Ta'ala. Allah is not in need of anyone. Therefore never raise funds in conflict with the laws of Allah Ta'ala. The contributors of funds give for their own benefit. Sadqah increases one's treasures in the Aakhirah. The projects of Allah are not dependent on anyone's contributions. Whether people give or withhold, Allah's projects will continue to flourish. But those who abstain from contributing, deprive themselves of great virtues.
vFund-raising
Nowadays many irregularities accompany fund-raising for the Madaaris. The worst corruption is the erosion of the dignity of the Ulama who collect funds, and this constitutes poison for the generality of the people. Furthermore, those who collect funds are generally not careful. They adopt such methods of fund-raising which embarrass contributors who feel pressurized to give something. This ruins Ikhlaas (sincerity). It is not permissible to even accept such contributions (which are extracted by the application of indirect pressure).
It is therefore best not to solicit funds from particular persons. The community in general should be addressed (and informed of the needs). It will be permissible to solicit funds from a particular person only if the fund-raiser is one without a high reputation. In this case it is easy for a person to refuse if he is not inclined to contribute.
