Zakah & Donations

For all types of Zakah, the intention is obligatory upon setting one’s Zakah aside. Zakah must be paid to the Muslims among the eight categories of people deserving of Zakah, who are in the town where the money is. The eight categories deserving of Zakah are:

1. Those who are poor who earn less than half their basic needs (al-fuqara’);
2. Those who are poor who earn half but less than all their basic needs (al-masakin);
3. The Zakah workers who are assigned by the caliph (al-^amilun ^alayha);
4. The new converts to Islam whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu’allafatu qulubuhum);
5. The slaves who are short in satisfying their contract for purchasing their freedom from their owners (ar-riqab);
6. Those who are unable to pay their debts (al-gharimun);
7. The volunteer fighters (fi sabilillah);
8. The travellers who do not have enough to enable them to reach their destination (ibn-us-sabil).

It is neither permissible nor valid to pay Zakah to other than those eight types of people specifically mentioned; that is why it is not valid to pay Zakah for every charitable project.

The ICPA provides Financial Aid to facilitate the distribution of Zakat and Sadaqa in accordance with rules of the religion and its principles. The collection process is the responsibility of the ICPA Office, which works closely with the Treasurer in collection efforts and the accountability of expenditure of the funds. All Zakat and financial aid applications are directly forwarded to the Treasurer department. ICPA ensures total confidentiality so the dignity of our Muslim brothers and sisters is maintained. A committee assesses the needs of the applicant and issues recommendations based on set guidelines to Islamic principles.