Resolution No.(99) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies: “ Ruling on Giving Zakat Money to Poor Cancer Patients “
Date: 22/2/1427 AH, corresponding to 22/3/2006 AD.
Question:
What is the Sharia ruling on giving the Zakat money to (Sandooq Al-Khair), which is dedicated for providing assistance to poor cancer patients who can`t afford the expensive treatment, or whose treatment isn`t covered by any party?
Answer:
The Board is of the view that the above is permissible provided that the Zakat funds are deposited in a separate account dedicated for helping those patients, so as for these funds not to get mixed with other funds. This is based on what the Prophet(PBUH) said to Mu`adh(May Allah be Pleased with him) when he appointed him as governor of Yemen. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) appointed Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) as governor of Yemen, and at the time of his departure, he instructed him thus: "First of all, call the people to testify 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) and that I (Muhammad) am the Messenger of Allah, and if they accept this (declaration of Faith), then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat during the day and night; and if they obey you, tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. And Allah knows best.
Iftaa` Board
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Dr. AbdulMajeed Al-Salaheen
Dr. Abdukareem Al-Khasawneh
Dr. Yousef Ghyzaan
Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri
Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi
Sheikh Nae`im Mujahid