I have a Christian friend 27 years of age unmarried from Delhi, whose mother was operated for knee replacement surgery, I suppose total expense are approx 1.40 lakh rupees. My friend somehow managed an amount of 70,000 rupees for one knee operation which was performed successfully. Now he asks for help for another knee operation. Should I help him, and should I first confirm the authenticity of my friend’s words. Or should I give preference to Muslim organization for zakah and thereby ignore Christian friend. Kindly advise.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 944/B-197/TB=1434)
First you should confirm whether the mother of your Christian friend needs a second operation or not and whether she is in need of money or not? If it is confirmed that she is in need of money then you may help your Christian friend. But it shall not be lawful to give zakah money; you may support him with any other funds. Also you may give him interest money if he is poor and needy person.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband