Date : 10-03-2024

Question :

We are a non-profit charity organization that aims to enhance quality and justice in terms of receiving healthcare services, improving treatment conditions, and promoting the rights of the underprivileged patients. Is it permissible to donate Zakat to the patient fund of the charity so that we can achieve our goal of supporting patients? It is important to note that the funds will not be used for any administrative expenses of the charity whatsoever.


The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


In the Noble Quran, Allah the Almighty has specified eight categories eligible to receive Zakat. He says {what means}: "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of God; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by God, and God is full of knowledge and wisdom." {At-Tawbah, 60}. Moreover, Ziyad b. al-Harith as-Suda’i said he came to the Prophet and swore allegiance to him, and after telling a long story, he said that a man came to him and asked him to give him some of the sadaqa. God’s messenger then said to him, ‘‘God is not pleased with a prophet's or anyone else's decision about sadaqat till He has given a decision about them Himself. He has divided those entitled to them into eight categories, so if you come within those categories I shall give you something.” {Transmitted by Abu Dawoud}.


Among these categories are the poor and the needy where it is permissible to pay Zakat to them on the condition that the Zakat money is made into their possession. This is indicated by the use of the definite article "al-" in the previous verse (Arabic version). Imam al-Baghawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:  "After mentioning these four categories-namely, the poor, the needy, those who work on it, and those whose hearts are to be won over-who are given the charity in their hands to dispose of as they wish, as indicated by the use of the definite article 'al-', he mentioned those who are given the charity to pay off what they owe,  as indicated by the use of the preposition 'fi'." [Nazm al-Durar, Vol. 8/P.505].


 In addition, giving Zakat to the poor must be immediate and with the intention of transfer of ownership. Sheikh al-Islam Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Zakat becomes obligatory immediately upon having the ability, which occurs when the wealth and the categories (of eligible recipients) are present." [Minhaaj at-Talibin, p. 72].


In conclusion, it is permissible to give Zakat to poor Muslim patients who benefit from the services of the charity, on the condition that the Zakat money made in their possession. Moreover, there is no harm in delegating the collection and distribution of Zakat to the charity, but it is not permissible to give Zakat to the charity for its administrative expenses, such as salaries and buildings. And Allah the Almighty knows best.