Fatwaa ID: 559

Question:
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Can zakat be given to those affected by natural disasters

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

The general laws of determining zakaah eligibility is applicable to those affected by natural disasters. If one is affected by natural disasters and is also eligible to receive zakaah, then zakaah may be given to him by all means. However, if he is not eligible but requires assistance, then zakaah may not be given to him. Rather, he should be assisted with nafl sadaqah.
Donors must apply their due diligence before giving zakaah funds. Just because a welfare organization claims something, it may not always be correct. Many such organizations misuse and abuse zakaah funds. You, the donor, are responsible for that. The organization is your representative.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

07/17/1444 AH – 02/08/2023 CE | AMG1-2764

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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