Is the Ramadan basket for the poor considered from zakat al-mal or charity? And what about that which was previously given out?
What is known as " basket" (or "Ramadan bag"), if it is a voluntary act, then it is a recommended charity ( mustahabbah) that is permissible for both the poor and the rich, and it is not required to be spent in the same categories as . However, if it is distributed from zakat money, the majority of scholars believe that it is obligatory to give the poor ownership of the money. Nevertheless, some scholars have permitted giving the equivalent value in food if it is beneficial for the poor, and this is the most equitable view. The basic principle for zakat is to give it out in cash, but it is permissible to give it out as food items when there is a need or benefit. Zakat may not be given except to the eight legitimate recipients prescribed by Islamic law. And whoever gives it to a person whose eligibility is doubted must give it again. If the giver of the bag did not intend it as zakat when distributing it, it is not valid for him to intend it as zakat later.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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