Resolution No.(142): "Ruling on Paying Zakah to Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans"
Date: 7/5/1431 AH, corresponding to 22/4/2010 AD.
Praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may his peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
During its fourth session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the questions asked by Al-Aman Fund for the Future of the Orphans regarding the ruling of Sharia on paying obligatory and voluntary charities to the Fund, which covers the expenses of the university education of these orphans, and are they considered from the continuous charity?
After extensive study and deliberation, the Board decided what follows:
Zakah is to be given only to one of the eight categories specified in the Holy Quran who are the ones eligible to receive the due Zakah. Whereas, Allah, The Most Exalted, 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}. This verse indicates that it is permissible to give Zakah to poor orphan Muslims.
However, it isn`t permissible to give it to the person who possesses property or earns sufficient living. This is indicated by what the Prophet (PBUH) said to Moa`d when he sent him to Yemen: "You will go to the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. In addition, if they obey you in that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. (Bukhari & Moslim).
As regards voluntary charity, it is permissible to give it to the poor as well as others.
According to Muslim scholars, continuous charity takes the rules of a Waqf (endowment).We pray that Allah, The Almighty, Accepts covering the expenses of poor students` education as a continuous charity whose benefit would last forever. And Allah Knows Best.
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Grand Mufti of Jordan, Dr. Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh
Vice Chairman of the Iftaa` Board,
Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Dr. Yahia al-Botoosh/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair al-Eesa/ Member
Judge Sari Atieh/ Member
Dr. Abdurahamn Ibbdah/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Okla/ Member
Dr. Abdunnasir Abulbasal/ Member
