Q: Last yr our Musjid had over 13 000 saved from collecting Iftar money. Can we give that money for Taraweeh Huffaz this year for Hadya/gifting/or even for other musjid projects. We are divided. Some say it is for Musjid so yes, some say no.

A: When handling community donations, one must adhere to the principle of Amanah (Trust) as it releates to public funding.

1. The General Rule: Specificity of Intent
When congregants are asked to donate specifically for “Iftar,” they are creating a specific trust for the purpose of feeding those who are fasting.
The collector acts as an agent (Wakil) for the donor. If a donor specifies “This is for Iftar or gives it based on the request of it being for Iftar,” the funds are legally restricted to food and drink for Iftar. If they say, for iftar and whatever goes with it, then plates, etc. can be used with that money.

Under this restriction, you cannot take money donated for food and redirect it toward a Hadya (gift) or salary for the Imam/Huffaz. Doing so would violate the donor’s original intent without their authorization.

2. When Is Redirection of Iftar Monies Permissible?
There are two primary scenarios where surplus Iftar funds may be gifted to the Imam or Huffaz:
If the collection was marketed with a broader scope—for example: “We are collecting for Ramadan Iftar expenses as well as general Masjid needs, including gifts for our Huffaz and whereever else we feel necassary, however, our focus would be Iftar as much as possible”—then these funds are not restricted to food. In this case, gifting the surplus to the Taraweeh leaders is perfectly valid and maybe even encouraged.
If the funds were originally “Iftar-only,” you may seek retroactive permission, by making a public announcement stating: “We have a surplus in the Iftar fund and intend to gift it to the Imam/Huffaz and take care of other musjid needs; please let us know if there are any objections.” Only those present can have their monies towards the gifting, etc. the money of the rest of the donors that you cannot get hold of should be carried over for the next Ramadan.

I appreciate you folks wanting to do the correct thing.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.