A Refutation of a Mosque Serving as a Zakat and Economic Centre During Prophethood

Abstract

A mosque is a sacred place designated for the exclusive use of the Muslim community. In accordance with Indonesian and Malaysian scholars, mosques during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) functioned as economic and zakat hubs. This appears to defy the prophetic teaching that prohibits any commercial activity from taking place in a mosque. Therefore, this research will investigate these claims. This study using genetic methodology and assess them based on historical methodology utilising hadith literature. The study’s findings contradict the belief that the mosque served as an economic and zakat distribution (charitable donations) hub during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). No evidence from hadith or Islamic historical perspective substantiates either of the arguments. The scholars have not found any indication of a report or hadith associating the mosque as a hub for zakat. As for the economy centre, a genetic method revealed that experts had cited a statement indicating that the mosque served as a hub for developing Islamic economic concepts and systems instead of a trading centre. According to several evidence from the hadith, a mosque is more correctly described as a social welfare centre.