Related Fatwas

Cross-border beneficiaries

I am based in Egypt and would like to pay my Zakat and Sadaqah to an entrusted British-based Islamic institution, which supports those in need around the world according to Sharia law. May I transfer my money to them, relying on their best management and allocation of money?

Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Sharia permits the transfer of Zakat to wherever it is most needed. In fact, some scholars encourage transferring Zakat to whomever is in graver need for it, especially for the purpose of saving lives.

Are the beneficiaries of Zakat and Sadaqah prioritised according to their geographical location?

Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Zakat is ideally paid in the provider’s country of domicile unless it was deemed more beneficial elsewhere.

Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: Zakat may be transferred to a country other than where it becomes payable, provided that it goes to more deserving recipients in the country it is transferred to, especially when a need for the Zakat money there arises.

Is it acceptable to move Sadaqah from a Muslim country to a non-Muslim country for retention and pooling, after which the sum gets distributed amongst deserving beneficiaries around the world?

Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Yes, especially when such alms are needed for saving lives.

May Jordanian expatriates pay their Zakat and Zakat al Fitr in Jordan by proxy through transferring money to their families? If yes, should the amount be determined according to requirements in Jordan or the provider’s country of residence?

Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Jordan: Zakat, including Zakat al Fitr, may be transferred to a country other than that of residence, provided that it is delivered to a deserving recipient in the host country, particularly when a need for such arises, such as for a relative, a person in graver need, or in the aftermath of calamity.

I intend to offer a Thabiha donation. May I have my family in my home country buy and perform the Thabiha? Do purchase and procedure charges have to be transferred prior to the process? Am I obliged to perform Thabiha in my country of residence? May I allocate a share of the Thabiha for myself and my family?

Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: Purchase, performance, and distribution of Thabiha by proxy is permissible. You may transfer the money upon completion of the procedure.

Donating through intermediaries

Can Zakat and Sadaqah be paid to a mediator who would in turn determine and manage the allocation of money?: Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Permissible.

Distribution fees

Is it permissible to deduct Zakat distribution charges, such as for communications or transportation, from the Zakat money?: Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: Donors can deduct the incurred transfer charges from their Zakat money.

Third-party [transfer] fees

Is the Zakat and Sadaqah money inclusive of additional charges such as online payment, transfer and delivery fees?: Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: It is undisputed among scholars that delivery charges of Zakat al Fitr are paid by the donors. Likewise, the majority of scholars agree that providers must also cover Zakat transfer fees.
What is the ruling on deducting extra charges, such as online transfer fees, from Zakat and Sadaqah money?: Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: The donor of Zakat must pay Zakat transfer charges.

Partnering with international organisations

What is the ruling on partnering with international non-Islamic organisations for the distribution of Zakat and Sadaqah, given that the distribution is in accordance with Sharia law?: Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Permissible.

Donating through international organisations

Given that Sharia law and strict regulations are observed, is it permissible to pay Zakat through non-Islamic organisations, such as the Red Cross, to maximise impact and enable the distribution of alms across more deserving communities?: Fatwa by Dar Al-Ifta in Egypt: Permissible.

Anonymous vs. public donating

Is it better to perform Zakat and Sadaqah in public or in discretion?: Fatwa by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments – United Arab Emirates: Donating in discretion is advised, unless its public display entails a more positive impact and is performed in utmost sincerity.