Fatwa #975029 September 2003United States of America
1. Can interest money received from a bank be disbursed to simply anyone? (Instead of giving it to those eligible to receive Zakat without the intention of getting reward)
Answer
Interest monies must be given to the poor and needy who are eligible to accept Zakaat without the intention of reward. However, interest received from government institutes, e.g. post office could be used to offset government taxes. Interest received from private banks cannot be used to offset taxes. It may be used to offset interest charged from the same bank.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai