Is it permissible to give charity to shia muslims

[Plz Answer Me]

She is so poor and needy. Her husband doesn't support her. she is pregnant and already has four kids. One kid is suffering from a Serious disease. Currently her family is starving badly. she lives in a small rent house and can't pay the rent.
she was working before but now she can't cz she is pregnant. she is totally helpless. she has sold every possible thing she could for money. she had a 22 year old younger brother who used to help her but he died.
My kind hearted friend did a lot for her. she gives her money and food. Now that poor woman is totally dependent on her neighbours. I asked two female scholars about giving charity to shia muslims they said it is not permissible to give obligatory zakaat or fitrana .. moreover giving charity (sadqa) to non muslim is not sin but Allah will not like it. Giving charity to poor Muslims is better so neighbours shouldn't help her any more because it will only help her in this temporary world. Conversation was on the phone so they didn't give me any references .
Now I want answer with proper references. Is there any scholar who can answer me?

[ardianto]

:sl:

"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
(Al-Mumtahanah: 08)

That poor woman doesn't fight you or your friend, doesn't expel you or your friend. So, there's no reason to forbid your friend or you or other Muslims to help her. And the most important is, that woman really need help. Help her if you can.

[hisnameiszzz]

As a rule of thumb, obligatory Zakat can only be given to Muslims who are genuinely poor. If you are a Sunni Muslim, the Shia female will not be classed as a Muslim, so you can't give her Zakat.

However, there is nothing stopping you from giving her "normal" money or food. Also, if you have interest accrued in your bank account, then you can give her this as interest can be given to anyone regardless of their religion.

If I was in your position, I would be torn. I am not a fan of Shia at all. Look at what they are doing to innocent civilian Sunni Muslims in Syria. But it's your call at the end of the day and if she is genuinely destitute, I don't think there would be anything wrong aiding her as long as it is not obligatory Zakat.

[Hulk]

The burden of proof is on the one saying that it is impermissible. A fellow human being, a fellow muslim, is in need. I don't see why you can't give her a helping hand if you wish to.

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[Berries'forest]

Please help her, she's still a human being.

[greenhill]

If we were to peel back everything and to 'take in' what is said about eeman, that it is wishing for yourself what you would wish for your neighbors, (there's no restriction here on the term neighbors whether they are muslims or not) then why are we adding to it what is not specifically said.

We also know of the story of the prophet pbuh feeding everyday an old woman who was blind who used to curse the prophet. Yet he fed her with kindness and gently, why then do we have to have classifications on who we aid?

I don't know for sure but I think we sometimes are over restricting ourselves...

:peace:

[Plz Answer Me]

Jazakallah khair to all.

[hisnameiszzz]

Salaams all.

Just remembered the story about the handsome male Yahood who used to spend time with the Prophet (SAW) who wouldn't convert to Islam until he heard the Prophet (SAW) praying about Huds in Paradise. The Prophet (SAW) used to let him come and eat and spend time with him even when the Yahood initially said there was no chance he would convert to Islam.

Sharing food would also be classed as charity and as this story states, it's fine to do that.

[h-n]

Charity isn't about finding someone that you feel "deserves" help or only helping people that you like. Isn't this what evil people do were they make the rich richer, but the poor poorer?? Charity is for anyone, as long as your not supporting idol worship etc. Charity is for anyone who is poor and needs help on the basic essentials of living. God didn't say watch them suffer and starve to death. He didn't say that we should just rest easy whilst they struggle. As long as you don't support people who are happy to oppose Islam.

[Scimitar]

As a rule of thumb, obligatory Zakat can only be given to Muslims who are genuinely poor. If you are a Sunni Muslim, the Shia female will not be classed as a Muslim, so you can't give her Zakat.

However, there is nothing stopping you from giving her "normal" money or food. Also, if you have interest accrued in your bank account, then you can give her this as interest can be given to anyone regardless of their religion.

If I was in your position, I would be torn. I am not a fan of Shia at all. Look at what they are doing to innocent civilian Sunni Muslims in Syria. But it's your call at the end of the day and if she is genuinely destitute, I don't think there would be anything wrong aiding her as long as it is not obligatory Zakat.

this is false,

charity is prioritised by those who are the most needy.

[hisnameiszzz]

this is false,

charity is prioritised by those who are the most needy.

Salaams.

What is false? Are you saying Zakat can be given to anyone? I had it confirmed by a Mufti that Zakat can only be given to Muslims.

Any other charity such as Sadaqah / Interest money or just a handout can be given to anyone.

Many thanks.

[Hulk]

From my understanding, Zakah is primarily for muslims (one has to prioritise those closest to them) whereas sadaqah can be to anyone..

[h-n]

I can understand what people say, when for example if you ran a help group of sorts with the funds of local people, why should people who didn't contribute be allowed to use it? We actively collect Zakat amongst the Muslims and it is obligatory and why would people benefit when they don't give to charity- but here is the point they do give to charity.

Lots of charities setup, even sending aid to Muslim countries and even helping Muslims in the western world ie like in the UK national insurance contributions go towards healthcare to help anybody.

So many people from different communities, religious groups do contribute. Even if they didn't, charity is still for the poor (unless they fought actively against the Musliims ie like recently with Ethiopian Christians fighting against Muslims in Somolia). Allah recognises this. It doesn't go against Islam, as Allah is providing for non-Muslims, letting them live and be tested in the life of this world, we still value the lives that Allah has created, even if the non-believer does not look towards Islam-that is why killing is a sin regardless if its a Muslim or a non-Muslim. We appreciate and look towards Allah's mercy providing so much and time allowing people to repent-even if they do not take advantage of it.

[Scimitar]

zakat is given to your local zakat authority, they decide what to do with it.

in the case of your sadaqah, you can give it to who you like. In this case, shia or not shia - so long as the person is a Muslim and needy of money, as per the example given in the OP - both apply,

far be it for me or anyone else to be takfiri and claim someone is out of the fold of Islam, simply because they are shia. I know plenty of Shia who are good Muslims and despite the theological differences (which I may add are minor in comparison the concept of tauheed) there really is no need to generalise all shia as non Muslims. Problems with the modern age - too many takfiris not enough unity.

[Hulk]

Some short info on Zakah SeekersGuidance - Zakat: How to Calculate & Whom to Give ? Answers

Who Does One Pay Zakat To?
Zakat can be given to any legally poor or needy Muslim individual.
A “legally poor” Muslim is defined as anyone who does not possess the zakatable-minimum himself.
An “individual” refers to an actual person who is given ownership of the wealth being given in Zakat, as opposed to an institute. This can be anyone except one’s wife, parents, and children.
One can give it to an institute if one is sure that they will disseminate the amount one is paying in Zakat to a poor or needy Muslim individual.

[Banuhashim]

First of all I am very happy to see that this lady took the initiative to follow her instinct and clarify a doubt in her mind. She addressed the issue is a great sign!
i am also very happy to see that 99% of these posts are in favor of helping the Shia woman.

i am saddened though by 2 things -
this lady had to actually ask this question in a forum before helping a Shia woman?
i am also disgusted by the person who labeled Shias as non-Muslims!

if there is any restriction on giving and taking then it is on Syeds - that they can not take from a non-Syed. I find that to be a hard restriction but that is really what it is.

there is absolutely no restriction on giving.

who-ever puts a restriction on giving has completely missed the whole point of the religion of peace.
As someone has mentioned here the story about an old woman who used to throw garbage on the prophet - and other stories of the prophet and His family giving generously to the needy - I can't believe that a Muslim has to ask before helping someone.

And yet again we have all seen on the television when you give it is best that your other hand doesn't find out about the hand which gives.

As a rule of thumb my beloved people- remember this is the religion of peace - any act of yours which disturbs peace is against Islam. It is non-Islamic. Hence, I hope I don't ever see such a post ever in my life. I should see a shia woman posting about a sunni man or woman helping her and how thankful and proud she is for being a Muslim.
Remember you can run a nation where there is kufr but where there is cruelty that country and that nation will collapse by the decree of Allah.

look at the west - learn a lesson, get a hint, they have kufr but they have justice and which in turn gives their people peace.

Firaun was not destroyed until he started being cruel to his people - check the Quran.
yazid is hated for being cruel otherwise he also called himself Muslim.
his father muawia fought with one of the Khalifa-e-rashidoon.
muawia's father Abu-sufiyan made our Prophet's life hell due to which our beloved Prophet pbuh had to migrate to Madina.
please read the history- please don't misuse Islam like people have in the past.

My religion is a religion of peace - it is not one of cruelty.
i am again saddened to see this post because how can this lady be a Muslim and ask such a question?
do you think YOU are the one who will help the shia woman who is need? Do you think it is YOUR money which you have in your bank account? Do you think it is YOU who has put yourself in a stature where you can give to others?
it is Allah and Allah only who gives you what you have my dear lady - it is repeatedly said in the holy Quran - give from what We have given you.
So please find this an opportunity which Allah is testing you - and make the right decision!! And don't post such questions!
shame on your judgement in my honest opinion!!

peace be upon all of us and may this lady follow the righteous path.
please let me know if you can't give I will aid the poor shia woman and I will pray for your mughfirat.

[Eric H]

Greetings and peace be with you Plz Answer Me;

I am pleased most people are in favour of giving if you are able too. We are all given a conscience, this has to come from Allah, and deep down inside you will know it is right. The test will be in ten years time, if you walk away now when you could have helped, this will niggle away at you. The dilemma would be, if there are ten families nearby with the same poverty, and you could only help one, how would you choose?

Justice is only justice when we treat all people the same. If Catholics only gave to Catholics, it would not be right, if a Catholic judge was more lenient with Catholics than with other people, it would not be justice.

In the spirit of praying for justice for all people, starting with the poor and oppressed.

Eric

[Krsto]

Kinda hard on your sister don't you think? We all have our own level of maturity, or lack of maturity. Those of us who are strong and mature need to help those who are either weak or immature. Perhaps she is a Muslimah new to the faith. I would think someone new to the faith would see how so much in Islam is governed by "rulings" and also see that Shia are considered aberrant (if not outright apostates) by many Sunni so naturally the question would arise if there has been a ruling about this. Some of the answers here, such as those making a distinction between zakat and sadaqa, indicate that there has been rulings, if not by scholars then at least by a few Muslims. I find your shaming this person to be rather uncharitable. Do you have a Catholic background, by chance?

[hisnameiszzz]

First of all I am very happy to see that this lady took the initiative to follow her instinct and clarify a doubt in her mind. She addressed the issue is a great sign!
i am also very happy to see that 99% of these posts are in favor of helping the Shia woman.

i am saddened though by 2 things -
this lady had to actually ask this question in a forum before helping a Shia woman?
i am also disgusted by the person who labeled Shias as non-Muslims!

Make your mind up, are you happy or sad that this poster asked this question. Contradiction or what!!! LOL.

When I said I don't class shia's as Muslims, that was my own personal view. I don't expect everyone else to follow it.


Again, I will re-iterate that Zakat can only be given to Muslims who are poor and needy. This has been clarified by aalims / imams and muftis. If you think they are talking rubbish, that's your call, I am not here to correct everyone.

Sadqah / Interest or other donations can be given to anyone and everyone. For example, at this moment in time, there is severe flooding in Cumbria and other parts of Northern UK. My Mosque and the other local ones have all set up Sadqah and Interest collections for them. Most of the people living in Cumbria are non Muslims (not all of them) so this is the best way we can help them out. A Zakat collection is not being done because they are not Muslim. The same collection was done when there was flooding in Somerset and down South a few years ago.

Also, can I just say, I might have come across really harsh in my initial post but I do help people of other faiths. For example, there is an atheist lady at work who is a single mother with 2 kids and she struggles financially, so sometimes I will buy her groceries or take in food from home. Same with a Christian lady. There is a man who I work with that looks after cats, he has about 29 stray cats in his home. All my interest money from my bank account goes to him every year so he can buy special treats from Uncle Hisnameiszzz for the cats. I will happily give Sadaqah , Interest and just general donations to anyone and everyone regardless of their faith. I do this because I hope that one day if I end up in this situation, people would be happy to help me. I don't do it as charity, it's more humanity.

Also, just to add, if this Shia lady lived near me and she was in this dire situation, I would happily give her money and food, but it would just be normal money and NOT Zakat.

Many thanks and goodbye.

[Linkdeutscher]

Shias are Muslim unless proven otherwise.

[M.I.A.]

...put her in touch with Shi'a Muslims in the community.

...or a Shi'a mosque.

Not qualified to answer your question but its an idea anyway.

[Allah'sServant]

As a rule of thumb, obligatory Zakat can only be given to Muslims who are genuinely poor. If you are a Sunni Muslim, the Shia female will not be classed as a Muslim, so you can't give her Zakat.

However, there is nothing stopping you from giving her "normal" money or food. Also, if you have interest accrued in your bank account, then you can give her this as interest can be given to anyone regardless of their religion.

If I was in your position, I would be torn. I am not a fan of Shia at all. Look at what they are doing to innocent civilian Sunni Muslims in Syria. But it's your call at the end of the day and if she is genuinely destitute, I don't think there would be anything wrong aiding her as long as it is not obligatory Zakat.

Asalamu 3alaykom,

Brother there is so much wrong with your comment. Last I checked, the five PILLARS and foundation of Islam and being a muslim is believing in Allah SWT and His messenger, praying, fasting, zakat and hajjul bayt (to whom ever can). Shia muslims do all these things and are, therefore, muslims just like you and me. You are not the Lord of this universe to dictate and judge who is a muslim and who isn't. As for the syria comment, please understand the difference between religion and politics. Mixing the two together and sterotyping and judging has caused corruption in the middle east and hatred and separation between muslims. No wonder the prophet cried because of the future of his Ummah. Please as my brother in Islam, I am saying this for your sake and the sake of every muslim out there, we are all one. There is no seperation in Islam. May Allah guide us all to the straight path.

[Kamruddin]

Allah knows who created these sub sections in Muslims saying Shia, Sunni, Salafi and what other non-sense.
I read Quran a lot and I couldn't find these words anywhere, neither in Hadith.
Anyone who read Kalima by heart is a Muslim and it is a duty of a Muslim to help other Muslims.
Everyone should definitely help that poor women, whether its money or foods or basic needs after all she is a Muslim.
Help a fellow Muslim and some day that person will help you, if that person doesn't help you then Allah will help you.

- - - Updated - - -

In addition to my above post since I can't edit it.
If you are looking for who you can give zakar then here is the full details on that.

Source:
http://shadesofislam.com/meaning-zakat-give-zakat/