Paying Zakah to a charity organization that looks after disabled children

12-5-2013 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it permissible to pay Zakaah to a charity organization that looks after disabled children?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Zakah is to be paid to the eight types of people specified in the noble book of Allaah The Almighty Who Says (what means): {Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allaah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allaah. And Allaah is Knowing and Wise.} [Quran 9:60]

Therefore, if the disabled children sponsored by this organization are characterized by these qualities or some of these qualities, there is no objection to pay Zakah to this organization. However, if they are rich and not characterized by any of the qualities specified for eligibility to receive Zakah, it is impermissible to give them from Zakah, as mere physical or mental disability is not a quality that entitles one to receive Zakah.

Allaah Knows best.