Do The Medical Devices Supplied To Hospitals Substitute For Zakat?

Do the medical devices supplied to hospitals substitute for zakat?

Recipients of zakat are stated in the Qur’an one by one. They are the poor, the needy, those who are to be freed from slavery, debtors, those who make jihad in the way of Allah (fi sabilillah), stranded travelers, officials assigned for collecting zakat, and muallafat al-qulub (whose hearts are to be reconciled to Islam) (Tawbah, 9/60). The ones cited in this verse are not institutions but individuals. In this regard, zakat must be given to an individual or his/her agent. According to this general rule, zakat is not given to institutions regardless of their names. Majority of scholars are of this view (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 43-46; Ibn al-Humam, Fath, II, 272; Ibn Qudamah, al-Mughni IV, 125). However, voluntary supports could be given to these foundations which provide public service.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA