Fatwa #216630 January 2001United States of America
I have discharged my Zakaat to a reputable organisation, but I have discovered that they bank the Zakaat money and distribute it during thecoming year as the need arises.
Question
Is my Zakaat discharged by merely giving it to such an organisation?
Answer
If Zakaat is due upon an individual, he/she should exercise precaution by
personally discharging the Zakaat to a recipient of Zakaat. If an
organisation was deputed to discharge the monies, they should do so
immediately.
It is incorrect for them to withhold Zakaat monies especially when there are
innumerable Zakaat deserving cases, many of whom are being unjustly turned
away from reputable organisations. The organisation is your Wakeel (deputy)
in discharging your Zakaat. If they did not do so, your Zakaat will not be
discharged. Should anything unfortunate happen to the monies, for example,
theft etc. or incorrect dispensation, you will have to discharge your Zakaat
again.
From: Al Mahmood 13 Q & A from the Darul Ifta
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
personally discharging the Zakaat to a recipient of Zakaat. If an
organisation was deputed to discharge the monies, they should do so
immediately.
It is incorrect for them to withhold Zakaat monies especially when there are
innumerable Zakaat deserving cases, many of whom are being unjustly turned
away from reputable organisations. The organisation is your Wakeel (deputy)
in discharging your Zakaat. If they did not do so, your Zakaat will not be
discharged. Should anything unfortunate happen to the monies, for example,
theft etc. or incorrect dispensation, you will have to discharge your Zakaat
again.
From: Al Mahmood 13 Q & A from the Darul Ifta
Mufti Ebrahim Desai