Where Are We Going to Get the Money From?

This is a question most of us in madrasahs have either asked or heard:

“Where are we going to get the money from?”

There are so many areas where we would love to spend, on our students, on our teachers, on our resources, on our community. But funding is always tight.

This short article is simply to highlight a few practical ideas that may help some madrasahs, Inshā’Allah.

Before Anything: Turn to Allah

We must remind ourselves: never resort to the means before resorting to Allah. He is Ar-Razzāq, the Ultimate Provider.

Rasulullah ﷺ has taught us the asbāb (means) to increase our rizq, such as the recitation of Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, and assisting others, whether from within our team or from other madrasahs.

And this applies especially to madrasah leaders. The barakah of any madrasah heavily depends on its leadership. When a leader, even while struggling, takes out from their own pocket for the madrasah, Allah puts hidden barakah in the entire work.

History shows us that the strength of an organisation always reflected the spirit of its leaders. If the leaders are willing to sacrifice, Allah opens the doors of sustenance.

I recall reading a profound incident about Maulana Lahori (رحمة الله عليه). When someone once complained that their madrasah income was low, he advised:

“Increase the wages of your staff.”

The principal, surprised, replied:

“I came to you saying our income is down, and you are telling me to increase expenses?”

Maulana Lahori responded:

“Yes, when you spend on your staff, Allah will spend on you.”

This is the yaqīn we need to build.

10 Practical Fundraising Ideas

Here are some tried and tested methods that have worked for some madrasahs:

1. Weekly Tuck Shop

Even just a table outside after madrasah with simple items can bring strong support.

2. Standing Orders

A GoCardless link asking parents/community for £3–£5 monthly can generate thousands over time. Our madrasah funded over 10 interactive smart-boards this way.

3. Fun Days

Organise 2–3 a year. Staff (especially sisters) can lead with food stalls, crafts, and activities. They bring both joy and funds.

4. Well-Wishers

Many in the community are waiting for an opportunity to help when they see good work happening. Don’t shy away from sharing madrasah needs. Sometimes just mentioning an idea brings results.

One example: we had a £1,300 subscription to pay for online courses for our staff. I only mentioned it in passing to my teachers. One staff member went home, spoke to her family, and her husband and mother-in-law funded the whole subscription for the year.

5. Parents’ Food Sales

A parent or group of parents preparing one dish for monthly sale after madrasah can bring steady support.

6. Ramadan Fundraising (Chanda Night)

If your madrasah is based in a masjid, make sure you book at least one fundraising slot during Ramadan. Too often external charities get opportunities while the masjid’s own madrasah is overlooked.

7. Seasonal Sales (e.g. Mangoes)

Partner with sellers for a seasonal sale where all profits go to the madrasah. Our madrasah raised over £1,000 before the summer break from mango sales alone.

8. Donation Boxes

Small chanda boxes given to parents or musallīs to take home. Once filled, they can be returned. These quiet, low-effort fundraisers add up over time.

9. Monthly Link Sharing

Create a donation link and share it with parents/community just once a month. Consistency helps, but balance is important, don’t overdo fundraising requests to the point where people see us only as “collectors.”

10. Give Back to the Community

This one is often overlooked. If the community is supporting us, we must go out of our way to support them too. Allah will open their hearts when they see we care.

It doesn’t have to be big. Even something as small as serving ice cream in summer, or nabeedh in winter, can leave a deep impression. Madrasahs are not only here to take, but to give.

I Need to Share This

One of our madrasah mothers won an Umrah package as the prize for our Seerah Quiz. I had only mentioned the idea to a brother in passing, asking for dua. Immediately he said:

“Imam Saab, it’s paid for by me.”

That entire Umrah package was funded by a single well-wisher, without me even asking him directly.

This is what is possible when we turn to Allah first, build yaqīn, and then use the asbāb He places before us.

Final Thoughts

Funding is never easy, but neither is it impossible. With sincere reliance on Allah, community support, and creative initiatives, madrasahs can continue to thrive.

At the same time, let’s be mindful, while fundraising is essential, we don’t want to overdo it or fatigue our community. Balance is key. When people see transparency, sincerity, and results, they will support.

And one last reminder: we must also support other madrasahs. This will only take our own work further. We are not in a competition of “which madrasah is better”. These are all madrasahs of Rasulullah ﷺ, and we are all his khuddām (servants).

As Rasulullah ﷺ taught us: “For as long as a servant is in the assistance of his brother, Allah is in his assistance.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

When we help one another, Allah places help in our own work.

May Allah put barakah in our madrasahs, expand our means, and make our institutions a source of khayr for generations to come. Ãmeen