Resolution No: (6) Administration and Development of Orphans' Funds

Date: Rajab / 1408 AH, Corresponding to: 23/3/1985 AD

We received a question from someone asking:

"What is the ruling on paying Zakat from the funds of orphans deposited in the Orphans Fund Development Foundation?"

The answer and all success attributed to Allah:

The Iftaa` Council has decided the following:

1-Zakat is obligatory on the wealth of minors and those in their stead, subject to the conditions of Zakat as prescribed by Islamic law.

2-In matters of Islamic rulings, they should be applied to all Muslims according to Islamic principles. It is not permissible to enact a law that selectively applies Islamic rulings to one group of Muslims while exempting others.

Therefore, the committee suggests that this issue be addressed within the framework of a comprehensive Zakat law that applies to all Muslims, including companies and institutions. Especially since the Temporary Zakat Fund Law No. 3 of 1978, as amended by Temporary Law No. 2/82, will soon be presented to the honorable National Assembly, by the permission of Allah. The committee hopes that the esteemed Assembly will prioritize the implementation of Zakat, as one of the pillars of Islam, comprehensively with care and attention.

And Allah the Almighty knows best.