Zakāt is an act of worship that must be given only to specific categories of recipients defined by Allah. Allah says: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, for freeing captives, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the traveler — an obligation from Allah.” (9:60). Because of this, zakāt must be transferred in ownership (tamlik) to an eligible recipient, such as a poor or needy person.

A masjid itself is not a valid recipient of zakāt according to the majority of scholars, because it is not an individual who takes ownership of the funds. Therefore, general donations to build, maintain, or support a masjid cannot be counted as zakāt. These are considered ṣadaqah (voluntary charity), which is highly rewarding but separate from zakāt.

If the masjid has a specific zakāt distribution program where funds are collected and then directly given to eligible individuals (such as the poor or those in debt), then it is permissible to give zakāt through the masjid with the intention that it reaches those recipients. In that case, the masjid acts only as a distributor, not the final recipient.

Regarding recurring monthly donations, they can be counted as zakāt only if two conditions are met: you make the intention of zakāt at the time of giving, and the funds are actually distributed to eligible zakāt recipients. If your current plan is simply supporting the masjid’s operations, then it does not count as zakāt.

It is important to distinguish between zakāt and general charity. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are only by intentions.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Zakāt requires a specific intention and proper distribution.

Therefore, your monthly masjid donations are a blessed form of charity and will be rewarded, but they do not fulfill your zakāt obligation unless they are specifically directed to eligible zakāt recipients.