(#210)
Question
Assalamu Alaikum, I have two questions regarding on whom to pay Zakat according to the Shafi’i mazhab. 1) Is it obligatory to spread out the zakat as to include all the eight categories? And is it correct that a minimum of three persons from each category should receive it? And if that is the case, then what if, after splitting it between all these types of people the amount given to each is so meagre that it won’t help them that much? 2) Is it correct that the Shafi’is do not permit the transfer of zakat from one town to another? And if this is the case then would that mean one would have to distribute to the people of the New Zealand city they currently reside in? Would it invalidate the Zakat by sending it overseas (e.g India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Gaza etc)? JazakaAllah Khairan.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding Zakaat according to the Shaf’ee Mazhab, our response is as follows:
According to our findings, according to the Sha’fee Mazhab one will need to distribute ones Zakaat to all available categories. Furthermore, it is necessary to spend ones Zakaat to worthy recipients which are within the distance a person becomes a Musafir (traveller). [1]
However, please note that the Darul Ifta only answers questions according to the Hanafi Mazahab. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with a reliable Sha’fee Alim in order to find out the predominant opinion of the Sha’fee Mazhab.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
7th Muharram 1446
14th July 2024
[1] الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية : ج ٢٣، ص ١٨٣-١٨٥)
