July 16, 2015 at 9:03 am
If we ask a simple, straightforward question concerning the initiative launched by Faatimah Knight to help rebuild the eight black churches that were either partially or totally destroyed by fire in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Clementa Pinkney, and the murder of eight of his fellow congregants in Charleston, South Carolina, last month, the answer is quite clear. That simple question is: Is it permissible for Muslims to contribute towards building a church? The answer to that question is unambiguous. No, it is not permissible to make such a contribution.
If, however, the question becomes more involved by asking: Is it permissible for Muslims to contribute towards rebuilding a destroyed church belonging to a historically persecuted ethnic minority, the answer, for reasons beyond the scope of this post becomes more involved. If the question becomes more involved by asking: Is it permissible for Muslims to contribute towards rebuilding a destroyed church, belonging to a historically persecuted ethnic minority, which was destroyed by terrorists whose ire is being systematically directed towards Muslims (witness the recent events on Phoenix, Arizona), the answer becomes much more involved.
Finally, if we were to ask: Is it permissible for Muslims to contribute towards the rebuilding of the non-sanctuary of a destroyed church, those parts such as the annex, kitchen, youth center, etc. that are frequently used by Muslims, even to host worship services, along with the caveats mentioned above, the answer would become even more involved, with most scholars, I believe, inclining towards saying that it is permissible. This latter position is one I personally view as proper, for a number of reasons that will be mentioned after Eiid, Insha Allah.
If you agree with this position, and you are certainly free to vehemently reject it, then let us help Faatimah reach her goal of $100,000 to help rebuild those churches on this the last day of her Launch Good campaign. Follow this link and help us make a powerful statement to other members of our community.
