Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

"Resolution No. (292): "Ruling on Giving Zakah for Renovating the Old Houses of the People of Jerusalem

Date Added : 17-08-2020

Resolution No. (292) (12/2020) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on Giving Zakah for Renovating the Old Houses of the People of Jerusalem"

Date: (16th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1441 AH), corresponding to (6/8/2020 AD).

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

In its 10nth meeting held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed the letter No.(4/1/1/1842) (15/3/2020) sent from the Director General of the Zakah Fund Dr. Abed Mahmoud Smirat.  In this letter Mr. Smirat asked about the permissibility of allocating a portion of the Zakah funds (2000JDs) in favor of the Jordanian Engineers` Association`s campaign "Light the Jerusalem Lanterns", as requested by Mr. Abu Sufeh, for the purpose of renovating the old houses of the people of Jerusalem.

After deliberating, the Board decided the following:

There is no sin in using Zakah funds for renovating the houses of the poor and needy families from among the people of Jerusalem, of course after asking their permission. Rather, it is the duty of every Muslim to help the people of Jerusalem stand in the face of the Israeli occupation and prevent the judaization of this city. We pray that whoever gives Zakah for this purpose receives the same reward of those mentioned in the following Hadith: "It was narrated that Maimunah the freed (female) slave of the Prophet (PBUH) said: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell us about Baitil- Maqdis.” He said: “It is the land of the Resurrection and the Gathering. Go and pray there, for one prayer there is like one thousand prayers elsewhere.” I said: “What if I cannot travel and go there?” He said: “Then send a gift of oil to light its lamps, for whoever does that is like one who goes there.” {Ahmad`s Musnad, vol.45/pp.598}. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.

 

 

 Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,

Grand Mufti of Jordan,

Dr. Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh

Dr. Mahmoud al-Sartawi, Member

Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi, Member

Dr. Majed al-Darawsheh, Member

Dr. Ahmad al-Hasanat, Member

Judge Khalid Woraikat, Member 

Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodaat/Member

Dr. Amjad Rasheed/Member

Dr. Jamil Khatatbeh/Member

Dr. Mohammad Younis Al-Zou`bi/ Member

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

What should one do if they see someone deliberately eating or drinking openly during Ramadan?

They must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. If they fear harm from that person, they should disapprove of it in their heart but avoid sitting with them if possible. It is also preferable to seek the help of the authorities to prevent them from doing so.

Is it permissible for someone with a physically demanding job, such as a baker or construction worker, to break their fast?

It is not permissible for someone with a physically demanding job to start the day intending to break their fast. They must make the intention to fast at night and begin fasting. However, if they reach a point where fasting becomes unbearably difficult, they may break their fast and make up for it later.

Is it permissible for women to gather in one of their homes to pray Tarawih?

Yes, it is recommended (mustahabb) for women to pray Tarawih in congregation if they gather, even if it is not in the mosque.
In fact, praying at home is better for them, as it avoids the potential concerns associated with going to the mosque.

What is the ruling of Islamic Law on obtaining financing from Islamic banks by bringing invoices in prior arrangement with the seller, then taking the cash after the financing is approved — with the purpose of settling debts and buying a car?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
It appears from the transaction described that its underlying purpose is to obtain cash through resorting to a legal artifice (ḥīlah/tawarruq-style trick), and it is not permissible to engage in such trickery or to coordinate with the various parties merely to obtain liquidity. This is because such artifices bring the sale closer in reality to a ribā-based (usurious) transaction, even if it outwardly appears otherwise.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not commit what the Jews committed, thereby making lawful what Allah has made unlawful through the flimsiest of tricks." This was related by Ibn Baṭṭah in his book Ibṭāl al-Ḥiyal (p. 47), and many scholars have graded it as ḥasan (sound/acceptable).
We have already explained the impermissibility of engaging in such deceptive dealings with Islamic banks in Fatwa No. 516, so please refer to it. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.