Question:
Is it permissible to allocate Zakat funds to Islamic academic institutions in the United States dedicated to imparting Islamic knowledge and training Muslims to convey the message of Islam effectively?
Answer:
Yes, it is permissible and strongly recommended to allocate a portion of Zakat funds to Islamic academic institutions in the United States that provide Islamic education and train individuals to convey the message of Islam effectively. This ruling is supported by a number of both classical and contemporary fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) opinions, which expand the scope of fi sabilillah (in the cause of Allah) to include Islamic education, seekers of knowledge, and da’wah (invitation to Islam) institutions, especially in non-Muslim countries.
Fiqh Evidence and Justification:
The distribution of Zakat is governed by Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), which defines eight eligible categories:
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and the needy, those employed to collect it, for those whose hearts are to be brought together, for freeing captives, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the (stranded) traveler—an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
Among these categories, two strongly support the allocation of Zakat to Islamic academic institutions in the USA:
1. Fī Sabilillāh (في سبيل الله) – In the Cause of Allah:
Many esteemed scholars have affirmed that fi sabilillah encompasses all efforts that benefit the religion and strengthen Islam and its people, such as seeking and spreading knowledge and da’wah efforts. Notable scholars who have supported this view include:
- Imam Al-Kasani (died 1191CE) in Bada’i Al-Sana’i (2/45): Stated that “Fi Sabilillah” encompasses all acts of piety, including those striving for good if they are in need.
- Imam Al-Razi (died 1210) in Mafatih Al-Ghayb (16/87): Permitted using charity funds for general public welfare, such as burial costs, fort construction, and mosque building/maintenance.
- Sheikh Rashid Rida (died 1935) in Al-Manar (10/435-436): Interpreted “Fi Sabilillah” as encompassing general public interests essential for the sustenance of religion and state, including military preparedness, hospitals, roads, and supporting Islamic education and da’wah institutions.
- Sheikh Shaltout (died 1963) in Islam: Aqidah wa Shariah (104-105) and Al-Fatawa (119, Al-Azhar): Upheld this broad interpretation, extending it to war preparations, infrastructure, and training Islamic preachers.
- Sheikh Hassanain Makhlouf (died 1990), former Grand Mufti of Egypt, in Fatawa Shariah wa Buhuth Islamiyyah (1/320): Ruled that “Fi Sabilillah” includes various charitable causes such as mosque construction and funding Islamic education.
- Sheikh Al-Maraghi (died 1945) in Tafsir Al-Maraghi (10/145): Expanded “Fi Sabilillah” to include all public welfare initiatives, not just individual efforts.
- Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi (died 2022) in Fiqh az-Zakah: States, “Islamic education and da’wah institutions play a crucial role in preserving Islam, especially in minority contexts. Supporting them with Zakat is a legitimate necessity to ensure the survival of Islamic knowledge and leadership.”
- Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta: Has issued multiple fatwas favoring this broad interpretation, including those by Sheikh Abdel-Majid Salim (1941), Sheikh Hassan Mamoun (1958), and Sheikh Gad Al-Haq (1979), permitting Zakat allocation to various public welfare projects and social services.
Islamic academic institutions serve as crucial centers for preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge, producing future scholars, imams, and community leaders. Given the unique challenges faced by Muslims in the U.S., these institutions act as vital fortresses of faith, ensuring the survival and transmission of Islamic teachings.
2. The Poor and Needy (الفقراء والمساكين) – Financially Struggling Students:
Many students attending Islamic institutions fall under the category of fuqarā’ (poor) and masakīn (needy) as they lack the financial resources to afford tuition.
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized supporting students of knowledge, stating: “This world is only for four types of people… a man whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth, yet he is sincere in his intention and says: ‘If I had wealth, I would spend it (for the sake of Allah) like so-and-so.’ He will be rewarded according to his intention.” (Tirmidhi, 2325)
This applies directly to students who need to study Islamic sciences but lack financial means. Supporting their education ensures the preservation of Islamic knowledge and leadership within the community.
Contemporary Need: Why This Applies to the U.S. Context:
- Islamic institutions in the U.S. are vital for preserving the Muslim identity, particularly for minorities facing cultural and ideological challenges.
- The Prophet ﷺ sent teachers, such as Mus‘ab ibn ‘Umair to Madinah and Mu‘adh to Yemen to educate new Muslims. This precedent highlights the necessity of supporting Islamic education, especially in non-Muslim lands.
- Muslim minorities face increasing pressures to assimilate, making investment in Islamic scholarship and leadership training even more critical.
Conditions for Allocating Zakat to Institutions:
- Institutions must directly serve Islam (e.g., by training imams, Islamic educators, scholars, and chaplains).
- Zakat can be directed toward individuals who are eligible for Zakat, e.g., needy students, scholarships, da‘wah programs, and toward administrative costs crucial for the sustenance and stability of these institutions.
- Transparency is essential to ensure that funds are distributed correctly following Shariah principles.
Conclusion:
It is permissible and recommended that Zakat be allocated to Islamic academic institutions in the U.S., as they fulfill the fi sabilillāh category by preserving Islamic knowledge and leadership. Additionally, needy students within these institutions qualify for Zakat under the categories of fuqarā’ and masakīn. Given the importance of Islamic education in preserving faith and fostering strong Muslim communities, such allocations serve the broader interests of Islam and the Ummah.
And Allah knows best.
Dr. Basyouny Nehela
