Fatwa No : 84412

What do the respected Muftis say about the following issue:
As is the practice every year, arrangements for accommodation and meals are made collectively during the religious gathering of Ijtema, and for this we require joint contributions. These are collected by our old workers (those who have been spending time in thabligh activities) who announce the collection of joint contribution at mealtime. The contributions we receive are then used to collectively manage the accommodation and food during the gathering.
At the gathering, both new and old participants are present. Whatever amount remains unspent from the contributions, we announce it on the last day, during the final day of Dua, saying: “Brothers, this much money is left over. Do we have your permission to spend it on collective accommodation and meals in the future?” Everyone agrees and gives their consent.
However, for the last two years, we did not make this announcement. That is our issue now. So, what is the ruling regarding this remaining amount?
Kindly guide us in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. May Allah reward you in both worlds.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

It should be clear that during Tablighi gatherings, people deposit their money with the leader of the group (Amir) or his appointed deputy so that arrangements can be made for their transportation, food, and other collective expenses. In such a case, the person with whom the money is deposited is, according to Islamic law, a trustee (Ameen), and the money in his possession is an amanah (trust) from the people. After covering the expenses, any remaining amount still belongs to those who deposited the money, and it is not permissible to keep it without their permission.
Therefore, in the case under question, if explicit permission is taken from the depositors to keep the remaining funds in the group’s collective fund and to spend it according to need and benefit, or if such permission is commonly understood (customarily implied), then it is not necessary to return the remaining amount. In that case, the Amir or his authorized deputy may, at their discretion, spend the funds on future collective activities. Otherwise, they may not.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

ففي الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية: تتعلق بالوكيل أحكام منها : الأول : أن يقوم الوكيل بتنفيذ الوكالة في الحدود التي أذن له الموكل بها أو التي قيده الشرع أو العرف بالتزامها . الثاني : موافاة الموكل بالمعلومات الضرورية وتقديم حساب عن الوكالة . الثالث : رد ما للموكل في يد الوكيل وتفصيل هذه الأحكام فيما يلي : اھ (45/ 37)۔
وفی الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية: الحكم الثالث من أحكام الوكيل : رد ما للموكل في يد الوكيل : 151 ـ يجب على الوكيل أن يرد ما في يده لموكله من مال وغيره، فإن امتنع عن الرد مع مطالبة الموكل له به بدون عذر في التأخير حتى هلك المال أو تلف كان ضامنا، وكذا إذا امتنع عن الرد بعذر ولكن زال العذر، فأخر الرد حتى تلف المال أو هلك كان ضامنا أيضا، لأن ما في يد الوكيل للموكل أمانة، والوكيل أمين، وهو ملزم برد الأمانة إلى صاحبها . لقوله تعالى : ﴿ إن الله يأمركم أن تؤدوا الأمانات إلى أهلها وإذا حكمتم بين الناس أن تحكموا بالعدل إن الله نعما يعظكم به إن الله كان سميعا بصيرا﴾ . (45/ 90) ۔