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 (2000 JDs) 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, V.45: P.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