Clarification on where to pay zakat

[keiv]

I just got an email from the local Islamic center in regards to paying zakat. I wasn't aware of this and in the past, I've sent my zakat to different places, locally and internationally. Based on what they're saying, my previous zakat payments didn't count if it didn't go to the local organization?

The following is not considered payment of zakat, and will require paying again:

1. 
   [*=left]Paying donations during the year to the Masjid or other causes.
   [*=left]Paying taxes to the government.
   [*=left]Paying Zakat or sadaqah to relief organizations.
   [*=left]Giving money to parents and children or sending money overseas.

TRANSFER OF ZAKAT​

The jurists stressed that zakat should be paid in the city where one lives and works. Here is the official ruling of the four mazhabs

• The Shaf’i mazhab says Zakat should be paid locally and transferring Zakah is not allowed (Not Ja’eiz).
• Imam Malik says Zakat should be paid locally and transferring of Zakah is not allowed (Not Ja’eiz).
• The Hanbali mazhab says Zakat should be paid locally and transferring of Zakah as not allowed (Not Ja’eiz).
• The Hanafi mazhab says Zakat should be paid locally and transferring Zakah is Detested (Makruh).

The four Mazahib require Zakat to be paid locally and not sent outside the city where the person lives and has the money.
Muslim leaders can transfer to other parts of the world when there is a surplus over local needs.
​

 

[IslamLife00]

I just got an email from the local Islamic center in regards to paying zakat. I wasn't aware of this and in the past, I've sent my zakat to different places, locally and internationally. Based on what they're saying, my previous zakat payments didn't count if it didn't go to the local organization?

Taxes to the government is not zakat.

I found more information below, InshaAllah will help

Those who are eligible to receive zakat
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/46209/categories-on-which-zakaah-may-be-spent

Sending zakat to charitable organizations
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/105946/giving-zakaah-to-charitable-organisations-to-distribute

Sending zakat to parents, relatives
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/811...akaah-to-one-on-whom-you-are-obliged-to-spend

I don't know where you have sent your zakat to. InshaAllah it is accepted because at first you didn't know. But if you send it again, InshaAllah your reward is increased

[h=2]Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah 's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (9:103)[/h]

 

[Ahmed.]

In general, the sunna is to give your zakat to the needy of your community, particularly to your relatives, neighbours, and more broadly, those in your vicinity.

Sending your zakat elsewhere would be disliked.

However, the scholars mention that it is not disliked to send your zakat elsewhere if it is to a relative, to someone in greater need, to someone more religiously scrupulous, to someone who is of greater benefit to the Muslims (e.g. by teaching), or a student of knowledge, or the like of such people.

Ibn `Abidin said, “The best of charity [and zakat] is that which fulfils the greatest need, or is a means to the greatest benefit.” This is the way of the strong believers and the way of true excellence; not simply giving blindly, but giving with consideration, supplication, humility, in gratitude to the receiver, and in purifying oneself inwardly and outwardly.

https://islamqa.org/hanafi/seekersguidance-hanafi/86171

 

[Supernova]

Asalaamualaykum :

Yes that is a very misleading email. The problem is that the 4 points they bring forward require clarification and deeper understanding in each point.
They have generalised each point so minutely that it is problematic.

Example: A Musjid in a certain area might be very in touch with those who are truly needy and destitute. Passing your Zakaath money to the Musjid who in turn distributes it to local needy people (who are rightfully in need of the money ) is TOTALLY HALAAL.

So the generalisation in those 4 points are very questionable.

 

[Physicist]

Also it is unclear about amounts.
In indonesia I was said that one have to pay 2.5% from the minimal amount he had during the last year. As at the end of the Ramadan I was in Malaysia, I paid it here. But as my zakat would be only 0.5 ringgit, I was asked for minimal 7ringgit fitra zakaat.
Also, being mostly recipient of zakaat, I'm in doubt if my zakaat counts and do I have 4 pillars already established or only 3 yet.