Using Zakaat funds to pay university fees
Question:-
Kindly clarify if Zakaat funds used to pay the university fees of a poor female, is considered as discharged?
Answer:-
There are two aspects to this query; the first being removing a young female from the confines of her home (which is against the teachings of the Quraan Sharif) and placing her in a Haraam environment where her Imaan is in danger. In this instance, Zakaat funds are being used in encouraging or promoting the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala. How can such a person be rewarded for discharging his Zakaat?
Secondly, Zakaat cannot be paid directly to any institute. The recipient of Zakaat is required to take possession of the funds, or authorize the donor to take possession of the funds on their behalf, and then pay it on their behalf to the institute (in Halaal avenues), otherwise the Zakaat will not be discharged.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 17 Ramadaan 1444 / 09 April 2023