Fatwa ID: 03130

Answered by:  Alimah Nasima Umm Hamza

Question:

Two students travelled from Pakistan to Manchester for a course. Their course was legit but their accommodation was a scam. Now they have no place to stay.

They are asking if they can take zakat to cover their necessary costs. I assume this would be under Ibn Sabil. However what else would need to be ascertained before they are considered liable?

Answer:

In The Name Of Allah, The Most-Merciful, The Most Kind

Ibn as-Saabil (the wayfarer/traveller) is one of the categories who are eligible for zakah. It is classified as the one who possesses wealth, but the wealth is not accessible to him.

In order for them to be eligible for zakah, they must not be able to access their wealth. For example, if they have money in their bank accounts in Pakistan and are able to access it with their bank cards, then it will not be permissible for them to take zakah. However, if they have no access to their wealth, then it will be permissible to take from the zakah up to the amount that is necessary to fulfil their needs. [Ibn Abideen, Raddul Muhtaar, Volume 2, Page 343]

Only Allah  knows best

Answered By Alimah Nasima Umm Hamza

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham