Zakaat

Zakaat is a fundamental pillar of Islam. When giving Zakaat, one must ensure that the person, to whom one is giving Zakaat, deserves Zakaat. If one is disposing Zakaat money to a person or a certain organisation or society, one must be assured that they know how to distribute Zakaat. Otherwise, one’s Zakaat will not be valid. As a general principle, it is to be noted that it is not permissible to give Zakaat money for the construction of a Masjid or Madrassah. Similarly, it is not permissible to print newspapers, brochures, pamphlet or books with Zakaat money that will be distributed among both the poor and the rich. Similarly, it is not permissible to use Zakaat money to give remuneration to teachers in Madrassah, nor is it permissible to be used for paying the workers or for the maintenance of an office, organisation, etc. One must be very careful! 

[English version of "Pas gagne droit servi la monnaie zakaat…" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.3]