Zakah

Q 2: Is it permissible to give part of the Zakah to charitable societies such as Al-Birr Society and the Society for Releasing Debtors from Prison?

A: As regards charitable societies, if it is known that they distribute the Zakah money they receive to the categories prescribed by the Shari`ah (Islamic law) or to some of the categories, such as the poor and needy, and the people are known for their honesty, trustworthiness, their religion, and good conduct, and you trust them and have confidence in their dealings, then there is no problem in giving them Zakah and for them to manage the distribution to the categories prescribed by the Shari`ah.As regards the societies that support the release of debtors who have violated others' rights, Allah explains in the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse): As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything) He mentions debtors as one of the categories of people who can receive Zakah. And there are two types of debts: The first type is a debt incurred to resolve problems (Part No. 9; Page No. 446) between people that have been caused by financial issues, for example. If people take it upon themselves to pay this money, with the intention of getting it back from the Muslim's Zakah, this category of debtors should have their debts repaid from Zakah, even if they are rich. The second type of debt is a debt incurred when someone borrows money to spend in a lawful and permitted way, such as on something for themselves or their dependants, or on a financial obligation for reasons other than to wrong others. All the above-mentioned types of debtors can be given help from Zakah to repay their debts.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.