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Atta-ur-Rehman

Can Zakat Be Used for Da’wah?

8 min read

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Yes, according to some scholars, Zakat can be used for Da’wah.

Allah has specified the eligible categories for Zakat in the Quran:

“As-Sadaqaat (Zakah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (needy), and those employed to collect it; and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free captives; and for those in debt; and Allah’s cause (i.e., for those striving in His path); and for the wayfarer (traveler in need)—a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”

(Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)

Scholarly Views on Using Zakat for Da’wah

  • Traditional scholars interpreted "for Allah’s cause" as referring to Jihad and did not include Da’wah.
  • Some contemporary scholars argue that "for Allah’s cause" also includes:
    • Spreading Islamic knowledge
    • Explaining and proving Islam’s truth
    • Calling people towards Allah (Da’wah)

Fatwas Permitting Zakat for Da’wah

  • Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal al-Shaykh (رحمه الله) and the Islamic Fiqh Council support this view.
  • Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (رحمه الله) allowed Zakat funds for:
    • Islamic literature and recordings
    • Salaries for full-time Da’wah workers
    • Quran memorization programs (including teacher salaries and student prizes)

If no other funding sources are available, Zakat can be used to sustain religious education and Da’wah’s efforts to ensure these essential activities continue.

And Allah knows best!

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WRITTEN BY

Atta-ur-Rehman

Atta-ur-Rehman, a specialist in Fiqh from Fazal-Jamiat-ul-Uloom-ul-Shariah, Jama'at ul-Umar Karachi, is an expert in Islamic jurisprudence. His expertise spans various aspects of Shariah, including Zakat, financial rulings, family laws, and ethical guidance in everyday life. With a deep understanding of Islamic principles, he provides a reliable insights into matters of faith, worship, and personal obligations.

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