THE “YOUR ZAKAT FOR OUR EDUCATION” CAMPAIGN DEPEND ON THE FATWA ISSUED
Every year during the holy month of Ramadan, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) organizes a zakat campaign called "Your Zakat for Our Education." This campaign is based on the Permanent Fatwa Committee's ruling that the Emirate of Sharjah permits the collection, acceptance, and provision of zakat to individuals with disabilities. The specialist committee at SCHS looks at the financial and social circumstances of families of individuals with disabilities and makes a precise determination about who is considered "needy" based on their inability to pay for tuition, satisfy basic needs, or make ends meet because of the high expense of education or treatment.
The Permanent Fatwa Committee in the Emirate of Sharjah issued a "Fatwa," which stated that "SCHS has done well in taking the initiative to pay annual tuition fees for students with disabilities whose parents cannot pay their annual fees." Her Excellency Ms. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS, confirmed this. This is because these pupils are classified as "the poor and needy." They are the principal beneficiaries of zakat. It is true that those with disabilities are valued above all others and should receive zakat payments first.
It was also stated in the fatwa, “We wish success to the SCHS and all charitable institutions. We are pleased that they can communicate with us whenever they need to”.
She said, “SCHS is keen annually to give zakat funds within legitimate disbursements through a committee of specialists with experience in the field from inside and outside SCHS. This committee studies the economic situation of the family of the student with a disability and decides precisely who is entitled to Zakat money”.
She explained that one of the most important goals of the committee, which was established under the directives of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of SCHS, is to determine the eligibility for disbursing the amounts collected from zakat holders based on legal aspects. The committee undertakes the tasks of disbursing the zakat funds received into SCHS according to its channels stipulated by Islamic law, with complete credibility and transparency. The committee also bears responsibility for all amounts spent.
Ms. Mona indicated that 80% of SCHS’s students with disabilities are completely or partially exempt from tuition fees because their families are unable to pay them. Therefore, SCHS works to pay these fees through zakat funds. The main goal this year is to raise 12,107,750 dirhams (twelve million, one hundred seven thousand, and seven hundred and fifty dirhams) to pay tuition fees for 537 male and female students with disabilities, who are eligible for zakat funds in accordance with Sharia regulations.
Since its founding in 1979, SCHS has adopted the issues of persons with disabilities in its approach, mission, and vision. In addition, SCHS has been keen to raise awareness among community members about campaign, calling on them to support it, provide appropriate support in all fields, and contribute zakat funds so that SCHS can continue to provide its educational services consistent with the latest standards and trends.
The Director General of SCHS extended her sincere thanks to the Government of Sharjah and to the partners, sponsors, and supporters of the Zakat campaign. They are: (Partners: Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank. Sponsors are Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Investment Bank, GPCA Group of Companies, Nazo Company). Building Materials Trading. The Media Sponsors are Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Site Global Company, and Rimal International Advertising Company).
Donations will be received via bank transfers to the accounts of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services at the Sharjah Islamic Bank, AE060410000011203320004.
And Dubai Islamic Bank AE960240007580560448601
And Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank AE290500000000010260597
Additionally, brothers who would like to donate can contact SCHS by texting 0562160222, and anyone who would like to speak over the phone can do so by calling as well. A SCHS representative will then be able to come pick up the donations.