Resolution No.(99) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

“Ruling on Giving Zakat Money to Poor Cancer Patients“

Date: 22/2/1427 AH, corresponding to 22/3/2006 AD.

Question:

What is the Sharia ruling on giving the Zakat money to  (Sandooq Al-Khair), which is dedicated for providing assistance to poor cancer patients  who can`t afford the expensive treatment, or whose treatment isn`t covered by any party?

Answer:

The Board is of the view that the above is permissible provided that the Zakat funds are deposited in a separate account dedicated for helping those patients, so as for these funds not to get mixed with other funds. This is based on what the Prophet(PBUH) said to Mu`adh(May Allah be Pleased with him) when he appointed him as governor of Yemen. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) appointed Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) as governor of Yemen, and at the time of his departure, he instructed him thus: "First of all, call the people to testify 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) and that I (Muhammad) am the Messenger of Allah, and if they accept this (declaration of Faith), then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat during the day and night; and if they obey you, tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

And Allah Knows Best.

Iftaa` Board

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel

Dr. AbdulMajeed Al-Salaheen

Dr. Abdukareem Al-Khasawneh

Dr. Yousef Ghyzaan

Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri

Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi

Sheikh Nae`im Mujahid