Gamblor
01-06-2005, 03:18 PM
From IslamOnline:
Can Muslims people give those afflicted by the Tsunami tragedy a portion of their zakah money even if they are non-Muslims?
The receivers of Zakah* money are clearly mentioned in the Qur'an. Among them, the poor and needy people. Looking at the situation of those people who are afflicted, one can conclude that the Muslims among them fall under the category of needy people.
In this regard, those Muslims deserve to receive a portion of Zakah. As for non-Muslims, they might deserve donation or any other form of assistance but not Zakah.
Thus, Zakah should be given to poor and needy Muslims. Some non-Muslims may receive a portion of Zakah if there is hope that by giving them Zakah that might lead to their conversion into Islam. They would be then considered under the category of mu'allafati qulubuhun or those whose hearts are inclined to accept Islam.
*Note: Given the Hebrew word for charity is TzeDAka, it's safe to assume from context and Hebrew's similarity to Arabic that the word Zakah is "charity". If I'm not mistaken, zakah is a stipulated portion of income a Muslim must give to Charitable organizations.
Can Muslims people give those afflicted by the Tsunami tragedy a portion of their zakah money even if they are non-Muslims?
The receivers of Zakah* money are clearly mentioned in the Qur'an. Among them, the poor and needy people. Looking at the situation of those people who are afflicted, one can conclude that the Muslims among them fall under the category of needy people.
In this regard, those Muslims deserve to receive a portion of Zakah. As for non-Muslims, they might deserve donation or any other form of assistance but not Zakah.
Thus, Zakah should be given to poor and needy Muslims. Some non-Muslims may receive a portion of Zakah if there is hope that by giving them Zakah that might lead to their conversion into Islam. They would be then considered under the category of mu'allafati qulubuhun or those whose hearts are inclined to accept Islam.
*Note: Given the Hebrew word for charity is TzeDAka, it's safe to assume from context and Hebrew's similarity to Arabic that the word Zakah is "charity". If I'm not mistaken, zakah is a stipulated portion of income a Muslim must give to Charitable organizations.