Q: Does Zakah need to be paid on maternity pay that may need returning if one can’t go back to work and hence has been kept aside? الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: Once maternity pay is received the recipient becomes owner of the same. As it is not a loan it will […]
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For zakat purposes, how might we interpret ‘fi sabeelillah’ in the modern context?
Q: How might we interpret fi sabeelillah in the modern context? Could this include campaigning or advocacy activities – for example, raising awareness about Islamic teachings on poverty issues, dispelling misperceptions about Islam, speaking out on international justice issues etc. الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: Whilst the literal meaning of fi sabilillah […]
Read more...Is it necessary for Zakat to be allocated and spent within 1 year of receiving the donation?
Q: What is the time-period for dispensing Zakat? Is it necessary for Zakat to be allocated and spent within 1 year of receiving the donation? الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: Zakat should be distributed as soon as possible. If there are procedural delays in the PROPER discharge of zakat which includes proprietary […]
Read more...What are the Islamic rules regarding ownership of Gifts for Inheritance Tax purposes?
Q: In the UK, it is possible through a UK inheritance tax law, known as the 7 year rule for a mother to transfer ownership of a home to her son. The idea is that when the transfer is made, the individual who gifts the property has to live for 7 years for there to […]
Read more...Is one regarded as sinful for delaying the paying of zakat to such an extent that a year passes?
Q: My zakat is calculated yearly on 16th Sha’ban. This year for example, it was £500. My habit is to split the £500 into 11 monthly payments. My aim is to pay the zakat £500 before the next years Sha’ban. However, sometimes I budget and maybe miss a few months. Thus for example by 16th […]
Read more...Is it permissible to buy and sell precious metals and commodities on the market?
Q: I am interested in trading precious metals and commodities on the market and wanted to know if this is halal. Looking at the market they seem to sell silver based on GBP. Am I allowed to buy and sell these items in the same way shares are bought and sold, in order to gain […]
Read more...How should Islamic charities balance the obligation to give Zakat to local people in need versus giving Zakat to people in need internationally?
Q: How should Islamic charities balance the obligation to give Zakat to local people in need (i.e. in the same countries as their donors) versus giving Zakat to people in need internationally? الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: There are several competing reasons as to how and where we should pay our zakat. […]
Read more...Can charities be considered as al-amileen?
Q: Can charities be considered as al-amileen? If so, what percentage of Zakat may be used for administration costs, and what activities may be considered “administration” الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: Aamileen, as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an are the state appointed officials who collect zakat on behalf of the ruler who […]
Read more...Permissibility of Sealed and Unsealed Bids When Selling Properties
Q: If two or more parties have offered the asking price of a property. The standard process is for the estate agent to enter all interested parties into sealed or un-sealed bids in order to achieve the best possible price for the propery. Usually this results in offers being made above the asking price. Sealed […]
Read more...Is it permissible for Zakat funds to be spent on non-Muslim beneficiaries?
Q: Is it permissible for Zakat funds to be spent on non-Muslim beneficiaries? Can they be considered mu’allafati quloobuhum in this context? الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: The category of “those whose hearts have to be reconciled” mentioned in Verse 60 of Surah Al-Tawbah refers to various groups of poor [according to […]
Read more...Is it permissible to use Zakat to fund qard hasan, microfinance initiatives or invest into waqf projects?
Q: Is it permissible to use Zakat to fund qard hasan, microfinance initiatives or invest into waqf projects? الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: It is not permissible to use zakat to fund qard hasan, microfinance initiatives or invest into waqf projects as none of these avenues satisfy the requirement of proprietary transfer […]
Read more...Is it permissible for an Islamic charity to give Zakat funds to individual beneficiaries in the form of goods rather than cash?
Q: Is it permissible for an Islamic charity to give Zakat funds to individual beneficiaries in the form of goods (rather than cash)? This could include livelihood equipment, such as sewing machines, farming equipment, livestock; medication or medical treatments; school books; education or training courses; paying salaries of service providers (e.g. teachers or doctors). الجواب […]
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