BENEFIT 351: Is establishing charity organisations really necessary (ضرورة)?

Question: This is a question from someone stating that the authorities in their country have imposed strict regulations on centres with more than fifteen students, requiring them to be officially registered. However, registration is only granted if the center operates under a charity organisation. The questioner also mentioned that without such registration, they are denied passports, certain necessary medical treatments, and other essential services. Sheikh Yahya ḥafidhahullāh: In response, my advice to our brothers there is to remain patient and not to disobey Allāh by engaging in activities that charity organisations entail. Society itself functions without charity organisations, and you are part of that society just like the general public. Those who study with you can attend lessons and then return home, just like other citizens, whether the number of students exceeds fifteen or is fewer. This way, you avoid any violations while still benefitting from the lessons. There are many masājid that follow the path of Ahlus-Sunnah, so students can be divided into groups across different masājid. Some can attend lessons in one masjid while others gather in another, ensuring that they receive knowledge without engaging in practices that violate religious principles. Furthermore, avoiding large communal residences will help prevent legal complications. Blessings come from Allāh, even if only a few righteous individuals remain steadfast. Therefore, my advice is not to let these matters distract you from the good you are already engaged in by staying away from charity organisations. Either such restrictions will eventually ease, or the righteous will gain trust and access to their necessary rights. Even if such rights are denied, believers will continue to live as part of society without being harmed. Some people have previously argued that if they do not shave their beards, they will be targeted, leading them to compromise their religious commitments. Others claimed that wearing Islamic attire draws unwanted attention, leading them to adopt Western attire. Some feared that if they did not participate in elections, corrupt individuals would dominate, so they engaged in elections. Others believed that if they did not educate women themselves, they would be taught by immoral individuals, leading them to compromise on hijab rules. There were also those who feared social isolation if they did not engage with political figures, but this ultimately led to their downfall. This is a cautionary note to prevent you from falling into similar traps. You are in a state of goodness, even if you are alone on the path of the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ himself began alone. Your duty is simply not to disobey Allāh. If we perceive something as sinful or contrary to the teachings of Islam, how can we justify engaging in it? Violating these principles brings clear harm. “Those who earn evil will be recompensed with the like thereof, and disgrace will cover them.” [Qur’an 10:27] Know with certainty that if you are sincere with Allāh and do not seek loopholes or compromises, you are upon goodness, and Allāh will provide relief and strengthen your pure and blessed call to Islam. “And whoever fears Allāh , He will make a way out for him and provide for him from where he does not expect.” [Qur’an 65:2-3]. Relief from hardships, provision for students, financial support, honour, and ultimately Paradise—this is Allāh’s promise, which never fails. 📌 Actions that do not align with the Sunnah, do not uphold Tawheed, and are not based on knowledge and sincere worship of Allāh will not bring true benefit. No matter how seemingly successful, such efforts will ultimately fade and vanish. Allāh’s blessings are granted only to deeds rooted in obedience to Him. True blessing means that Allāh establishes goodness within something. However, sin carries no blessing.