Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(15): “Ruling on Paying Zakat Funds in Support of the Palestinian Uprising“

Date Added : 02-11-2015

Resolution No.(15) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:   

 "Ruling on Paying Zakat Funds in Support of the Palestinian Uprising“

Date: 10/8/1410 AH, 7/3/1990 AD

We have received the following question:

What is the ruling of Sharia on paying Zakat funds in support of the Palestinian uprising?

Answer: All success is due to Allah.

It is permissible to pay Zakat (alms/obligatory charity) funds to support the uprising of our brothers in the occupied territories since they are resisting the disbelievers, who have seized the blessed land, and are defending Islamic sanctities and honors. Therefore, they are entitled to receive Zakat for being included in one of the eight categories eligible for it, and that is: “For the cause of Allah“ Consequently, Muslim scholars have permitted that the Mujahidin (fighters in the cause of Allah) and the steadfast there (Palestine) receive their share within that category. This ruling is based on the verse: “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.” {At-Tawba/60}. And Allah Knows Best.

 

The Board of Iftaa`
Chairperson of the Board, Chief Justice, Mohammad Mohailan
The Grand Mufti of Jordan, Vice Chairman of the Iftaa` Board: Izz al-Deen al-Tamimi

 Dr. Nooh al-Qodat
     Dr.Ibrahim al-Keelani

             Dr. Abdulhalim Ar-Ramahi

Dr. Ratib Az-zahir

      Dr. Mostafa Az-Zarqa
      Dr. Yaseen Daradkeh
    Dr. Ahmad Al-Qodat

 Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
              Dr. Abdulssalam al-Abbadi

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

I broke my oath and am now obligated to pay the expiation for a broken oath (kaffārat al-yamīn). Would it be valid to fulfill this by inviting the poor and needy to a meal for them to eat from?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
The expiation for a broken oath (kaffārat al-yamīn) is given to the poor (fuqarā') and needy (masākīn), and it must be given in the form of ownership (tamlīk) transferred to them of the required amount — namely, one mudd of the staple food of the locality, or its equivalent monetary value. It isn`t valid to invite the poor or needy to a meal prepared for them to eat from, as this does not constitute "ownership" (tamlīk) but merely "permission to partake" (ibāḥah).
Imam al-Shirbīnī (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "What is intended is that ownership be transferred to them; therefore, providing them with lunch or dinner [as a meal to eat from] isn`t valid." [Summarized from Mughnī al-Muhtāj,Vol. 5/P.50]. And Allah the Almighty knows best.

A person who has recently embraced Islam is afraid of undergoing circumcision (khitān) — what should he do?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
If this person would be harmed by undergoing circumcision, based on the assessment of a trustworthy physician, then he is not obligated to undergo it. However, if the matter is simply a fear of the procedure itself, then it may be postponed until he feels at ease and settled about it, provided this does not lead him to become averse to Islam — while still taking care to remove any impurity from the concealed area [beneath the foreskin]. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.

Is it permissible to pay the Zakah (obligatory charity) for settling the debt of a deceased relative?

It is impermissible to pay the Zakah for settling the debt of the deceased since Zakah is paid to eligible recipients who are alive. As for the debts of the deceased, they are to be settled from the estate before dividing it amongst the heirs, but if the deceased didn`t leave an estate, then it is desirable for his/her heirs to settle those debts if they can afford them. And Allah Knows Best.

What is the ruling of Islamic Law on selling gold or silver in installments or for a differed price?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
It is prohibited (haram) to sell gold or silver in installments or for a deferred price; rather, immediate hand-to-hand exchange (Taqabud) is mandatory, otherwise, it is considered usury (Riba). The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt—like for like, hand to hand. Whoever increases or asks for an increase has engaged in Riba; the receiver and the giver are the same in this regard.' (Narrated by Muslim). Furthermore, when exchanging new gold for used gold, they must be of equal weight, or it falls into Riba.
 
The permissible solution (al-makhraj) is for the merchant to purchase the used gold for cash first, and then sell the new gold for cash in a separate transaction. However, the price must be paid during the sitting of the contract (Majlis al-Aqd) for both deals. Alternatively, the jeweler may take the used gold with the intent of remodeling or repairing it, and then charge a fee for the craftsmanship or repair work. And Allah the Exalted knows best."