A top Saudi scholar says, ‘Zakat can be used for medical treatment’

RIYADH: Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a top scholar and adviser at the Royal Court said addressing at an event hosted by the Zamzam Association for Health Services, a charitable organization based in the Makkah region that Zakat can be used for the medical treatment of the poor, including purchase of medicines and other operational costs.

Literally Zakat means “that which purifies”and is considered a way to purify one’s income and wealth from sometimes worldly, impure ways of acquisition which is imposed by the Almighty Allah from the rich for the benefit of the poor in line with the teachings of Islam.

The head of the senior scholars and the Department of Scientific Research and Ifta, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, was also present at the event.

According to Al-Mutlaq, there are multiple needs of the poor such as food, clothing, housing, medical treatment, marriage, education and job training. The cost of providing these services can be met from Zakat.

He added: “The importance of medical treatment for saving a person’s life is well known. Giving alms to help the poor falls into the same category.”

The Zamzam Association, based in the Makkah region, seeks to provide health service to the public in the region, and has set itself a vision which is seeking to be a model for leading health care charities and voluntary organizations. Its range of activities include maternal and child care; a mobile clinic program; charitable treatment; a program of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals charitable program; medical convoys; and outreach programs.

Grand mufti Al-Asheikh said.: “Such a deed is among the best acts of worship.”