Is it better to give charity to needy neighbors or to send it to Syria?
The most deserving are prioritized in charity. The people of Syria are more in need than others, for Ibn Qudamah said: "It is recommended to start with the closest, then the next closest, unless there is someone among them who is in greater need, in which case he is prioritized." Charity given to the distressed is multiplied manifold. Furthermore, what brings about a benefit for the religion of Allah is prioritized. Thus, assisting the people of Syria in repelling the onslaught of the oppressors is greater than merely feeding the poor, for Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Giving is only according to the benefit for the religion of Allah. The more obedient it is to Allah and the more beneficial it is for the religion of Allah, the more worthy it is to be given."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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