Zakat Donations
How does KYPC allocate your zakat donations, and what fiqh (jurisprudential) interpretation of the eight categories of zakat recipients, do we follow?
The distribution of zakat is both a sensitive and sacred responsibility. At KYPC, we are firmly committed to maintaining complete transparency in how our donors’ zakat contributions are managed and allocated. The majority of zakat funds entrusted to KYPC are allocated to essential community operations and da‘wah initiatives that serve the wider Muslim community. A smaller portion is distributed to support those in need within our congregation. Accordingly, we wish to outline our approach and the scholarly principles that guide it. Can zakat funds be used to support Islamic institutions dedicated to Islamic Education and Dawa? In accordance with the opinions of both early and contemporary scholars, KYPC follows a valid jurisprudential position that allows zakat to be used in supporting Islamic institutions engaged in da‘wah (calling to Islam) and Islamic education—particularly in Western contexts where such work is essential. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari of the British Fatwa Council has issued the following fatwa on this matter: “Question: What do scholars and experts in Shari’ah say about using zakat funds to build schools and institutions dedicated to religious education? Answer: The use of zakat funds for building educational institutions is a question that many seek clarity on. Allah ﷻ has outlined specific categories eligible to receive zakat, one of which is ‘…to advance Allah’s cause.’[1] Traditionally, this category has been understood to include various forms of striving (jihad) for Allah’s ﷻ cause, which extends beyond physical struggle to include efforts made with words and knowledge. Allah ﷻ says in the Quran: “So don’t give in to the disbelievers but struggle tirelessly to convince them with this Quran.”[2] Here, striving with words and the spread of knowledge are emphasized as part of the broader duty to advance Allah’s ﷻ message. Prominent scholars, including Ibn Abbas, interpret ‘with this Quran’ (بِهِ) to mean striving through the words of the Quran itself. On this basis, there is strong support for the view that using zakat funds to build schools and institutions dedicated to teaching and spreading knowledge of Islam aligns with the objectives of zakat. Such institutions serve as platforms to advance the message of Islam, fulfilling a critical need for religious education and guidance within communities. Therefore, there is no religious objection to using zakat funds to support the construction of educational facilities that are focused on advancing Islamic knowledge and values.” In addition, Dr. Usaama Al-Azami of MuslimMatters.org has elaborated on the jurisprudence (fiqh) underlying the permissibility of using zakat funds to establish and sustain Islamic educational institutions. He provides valuable historical context, outlines the scholarly differences of opinion, and cites both classical and modern authorities who have endorsed this position. Below is an excerpt from his detailed article: “A number of Islamic educational and media institutions in the West have in recent years been highlighting their ‘zakat-eligible’ status… Full article at the following link: https://muslimmatters.org/2019/05/30/can-i-give-my-zakat-to-an-islamic-educational-cause/ … May we all support this cause, whether through zakat or by some other means.” At KYPC, we recognize the diversity of scholarly opinions on this matter and choose to follow the well-established view that supports the use of zakat for da‘wah and Islamic education. We believe this approach best serves the needs of our communities, especially in environments where Islamic learning and outreach are vital for preserving faith and identity. Through transparency, scholarship, and integrity, we remain committed to ensuring that every zakat contribution entrusted to us is distributed in accordance with sound Islamic principles. Success is from Allah