May One Give Zakat To Non-Governmental Organizations?

Eligible recipients of zakat are determined in the Holy Qur’an (Tawbah,60). In principle, zakat and sadaqah al-fitr are the rights of the poor and needy. In this regard, it is not considered as permissible by Hanafis to give zakat and sadaqah al-fitr that are subject to Muslim people who bear certain conditions to any place other than those that are determined in the Qur’an by Allah the Exalted (swt) or to donate to charity works such as building mosques, bridges, highways, schools, dormitories, waterways etc. If not done by observing this principle, payments with the intention of zakat are not considered valid as zakat. Zakat may be delivered directly to persons to whom it is permissible to give zakat; and it may also be delivered through a mediator. There is no difference between real persons and foundations in terms of being mediators. Therefore, if an endowment or a non-governmental organization conveys the collected zakats to those determined in the Qur’an, i.e. to poor and needy, zakat may be entrusted to these mediator foundations.

Zakat cannot be given to the foundations that use the collected zakat for general services such as construction, lighting, office expenses, etc. instead of delivering it to the rightful owners.

It is important to support such charitable foundations that provide public service. However, this should be made by voluntary supports instead of zakat. Besides, individual and corporate supervisions should not be ignored.

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