Paying Zakah to UNICEF

Fatwa no. 205 All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the final Prophet.The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has read the written request for a Fatwa, submitted by his Royal Highness, Prince Salman ibn `Abdul-`Aziz, Chairman of Al-Birr Society in Riyadh no. 345 of 25/7/1392 AH, to his Eminence Chairman of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Ifta', Call, and Guidance, that is referred to by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars by no. 2/1299 of 27/7/1392 AH. The request reads: I hope you will issue a Fatwa stating that it is permissible to give Zakah to Al-Birr Society in Riyadh, especially during the month of Ramadan.

After reading the above request, the Committee gave the following reply: Zakah is an obligation that Allah has made incumbent upon the wealthy. Allah Himself (Glorified and Exalted be He) determined how much and to whom (Part No. 9; Page No. 441) the Zakah should be given, and did not leave this open to anyone's interpretation. The categories mentioned in the following Ayah (verse) are entitled to receive Zakah: As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything) Anyone who is obligated to pay Zakah will not be absolved until they pay Zakah, either in person or by proxy. If anyone refuses to do so, the ruler should take it from them by force, and this will absolve them of the obligation. Al-Birr Society, a charitable society located in Riyadh, is a legal personality represented by its chairman and members who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of doing good. If this Society - among its activities - distributes Zakah to those who deserve it such as the poor and needy, it becomes permissible for anyone who would like to pay their Zakah to deputize this Society and give them his Zakah to distribute. In turn the Society should distribute the collected Zakah funds in the legal channels; and this should be done as soon as possible.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.