Q: An organisation in UK is collecting Zakaat for publishing Qur’ans for distribution to non-Muslims. Can this obligation be discharged in any Dawah activity including publication of books?
A: Through the organisation publishing Qur’ans and distributing among the kuffaar, the zakaat will not be discharged. In order for the zakaat to be discharged it is a requirement that tamleek be found. Tamleek means to transfer ownership of the wealth to someone who is eligible for the zakaat. Since the kuffaar are not eligible for the zakaat, through publishing the Qur’an and distributing it among them the zakaat will not be discharged.
Before introducing the kuffaar to the Qur’an and the in-depth sciences of Deen, it will be better that they be given literature which highlights the basic fundamentals of Islam and at a later stage, after embracing Islam, they may be given more detailed literature to study in order that they may be able to understand Islam and it’s beautiful teachings in its correct perspective.
Perhaps you may make available to them the book “‘What is Islam?’ by Moulana Manzoor Nu’mani. Many new Muslims have found this kitaab to be extremely beneficial. Below is the link to download the kitaab.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)