Fatwa ID: 01278

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

My brother has no children and he is wealthy. He prays, fast and gives a lot of donations. He made a will to give all his wealth after his death to charity; even he has wife and siblings. Please note that he is not giving his wealth now while he is alive but he is giving it after his death by writing it in a will. Please let me know if that halal?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Zakat cannot be paid to non-Muslims as zakat is the right of the Muslim poor. However, it is permissible to give optional sadaqa to non- Muslims. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband p.194 v.6 & Kifayatul Mufti p.463 v.4)

Regarding Sadaqatul Fitr, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Muhammad are of the view that it can be given to non-Muslims, but best to give it to Muslims. (Dars Tirmizi p.435 v.2 & Badaaius Sanaai p.49 v.2)

Regarding your question, yes, you should try to support this person for his medical purpose, but care should be taken that it is not from Zakat funds.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham