Am I Sinful for Indirectly Supporting Misleading Charity Fundraising Tactics?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Am I sinful for indirectly supporting misleading sales tactics during charity fundraising, and must I return the money raised by my team leader?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

If you were aware or reasonably should have been aware that your actions indirectly supported deceitful fundraising tactics, you bear some moral responsibility and should repent. Returning the funds is not necessarily obligatory unless they were obtained through direct deception that you knowingly facilitated.

If you were completely unaware of the questionable practices, you do not bear the responsibility for the wrongdoing of others, but you should try to prevent future issues by resolving the matter as best you can.

Detailed Answer

The Islamic Principle of Honesty in Transactions

Sacred Law cherishes Honesty and transparency as fundamental principles, especially in financial dealings and public trust. Allah (Most High) says:

“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers so that (they might aid) you to consume a portion of the wealth of others wrongfully—while you know (it is wrong).” [Quran, 2:188]

This verse applies broadly to all forms of unethical financial gain, including misleading fundraising tactics, even for a noble cause such as charity.

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned against deception:

“Whoever deceives us is not of us.” [Muslim]

This Hadith clarifies that deceit, even if indirect or seemingly justified by good intentions, is a critical moral failing.

Your Responsibility in Indirect Support

If you knew—or were reasonably expected to know—that the sales tactics used by your team leader were misleading, and you nonetheless promoted or supported them, even indirectly, this is ethically blameworthy. However, unintentional complicity, where there was neither knowledge nor negligence, may exempt one from sin but still warrants caution in future involvement.

One is required to:

• Disassociate from unethical practices,
• Make amends by informing the relevant parties (when safe and constructive),
• And repent sincerely for any wrongdoing or negligence.

Is Returning the Raised Money Obligatory?

If the funds were raised through explicit lies or deception, and you were involved in or benefited from it knowingly, returning the money or advising the donors of the error may become obligatory to rectify the injustice.

However, if:

• You did not personally benefit,
• And the deception was primarily due to another’s action (i.e., the team leader),

Then you are not necessarily required to return the money, but you should clarify your position, disavow the misleading tactics, and avoid similar situations in the future.

Actionable Guidance: What Should You Do Now?

1. Repent Sincerely: Acknowledge any error, ask Allah (Most High) for forgiveness, and commit not to support unethical fundraising again.
2. Inform the Right People: If feasible and safe, raise your concerns with your team or superiors to prevent future deception.
3. Clarify Your Role: If donors were misled through your direct actions, consider making clarifications or offering restitution.
4. Learn and Apply Islamic Financial Ethics: Familiarize yourself with Islamic principles regarding charity, trust, and transparency.

Conclusion

Involvement in or supporting misleading tactics in any form—especially in charity—requires serious reflection and correction. While you may not be legally obligated to return the funds, a believer strives to uphold integrity, avoid doubtful matters, and maintain the community’s trust. May Allah (Most High) guide you to what is most pleasing to Him.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.