Question:

Asslamo alaikum wr wb ,

I want to know what Islam says about to whom zakat should be delivered.
and is zakat valid to a cancer patient for his treatment in chemotherapy etc ?

kindly , I need prayers from Sheikh Hisham and Hajjah Naziah for me and my family .

may Allah give our Mawlana family endless blessings and health and happiness and beautiful life here and hereafter to all eshaykh members.

barakallah fekum.

Answer:

wa `alaykum salam,

إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلۡمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيۡہَا وَٱلۡمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلۡغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ‌ۖ فَرِيضَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَڪِيمٌ۬

{Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.} Surat at-Tawba 9:60

Hence, Zakat can be disbursed to 8 categories of beneficiaries:

1. The poor – Fuqara’
2. Needy – Al-Masakin
3. Those employed to collect the Zakat – `Amileen `alayha
4. Those whose hearts are to be won – Mu’allafatu Qulubihim
5. Those enslaved, to free the captives – Ar-Riqaab
6. Those in debt – Al Ghaarimeen
7. Those who work for the cause of God – Fi sabilillah
8. Wayfarer – Ibn as-Sabeel

It does not say it is permissible for those suffering illnesses. If he/she also comes under the category of, e.g. Fuqara or Masakin, the Imam may allow Zakat to be given to that one. You may, otherwise, offer Sadaqa (charity) or Hadiyah (gift) to assist them through their medication period.

Abdul Shakur