We are all familiar with the Islam Online which preaches hate and intolerance, but did you know that the Islam Online scholars also have a sensitive side? Take this exchange, where an inquiring Muslim reader submitted a question during a Fatwa on Financial Issues.
QuestionDear brother, As-Salamu ‘alaykum. While I was traveling on the plane, I used the public toilets and had no choice but to stand up. Unfortunately a small amount of urine went on my clothes. Is it permissible to wash just the area of the clothing which is unclean or does the whole clothing have to be washed. Jazakum Allah khayran.
AnswerDear brother Owais,It is only the area that had najasah (impurity) on it that needs to be washed. But this is not a financial question anyway.Allah Almighty knows best.
Bless his heart, answering the question anyway like that.
Now I have a financial question: Can Muslims people give those afflicted by the Tsunami tragedy a portion of their zakah money even if they are non-Muslims?
The receivers of Zakah money are clearly mentioned in the Qur’an. Among them, the poor and needy people. Looking at the situation of those people who are afflicted, one can conclude that the Muslims among them fall under the category of needy people.In this regard, those Muslims deserve to receive a portion of Zakah. As for non-Muslims, they might deserve donation or any other form of assistance but not Zakah.Thus, Zakah should be given to poor and needy Muslims. Some non-Muslims may receive a portion of Zakah if there is hope that by giving them Zakah that might lead to their conversion into Islam. They would be then considered under the category of mu’allafati qulubuhun or those whose hearts are inclined to accept Islam.
