Q. Im a student at UKZN and I do not have sufficient money to fund my studies. Will it be okay for me to utilize a bursary to fund my studies that is Zakaat based?
A. In principle, if you do not have in your net-possession the Nisaab amount i.e. you do not have Zakaatable assets in your net-possession excluding your liabilities which is less than the Nisaab amount, then you are a worthy recipient of Zakaat. As such, if you or any other student is a worthy recipient of Zakaat, he may accept a bursary that is Zakaat based to fund his studies.
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa