Can We Host an Iftar in Ramadan with Zakat Money?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Can we host an iftar in Ramadan with zakat money?

Answer

No, this is not permissible. One of the conditions for the valid payment of zakat is to make the recipient the (full) owner of the money. In this situation, you would be merely allowing him to eat the food you serve at the Iftar, so it won’t be valid as payment of zakat. [Maydani, al-Lubab]

Attaining the Love of Allah

Don’t let that put you off feeding people. One means of getting closer to Allah is through such acts. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) quoted Allah (Most High) said,

“My love is incumbent on those who love each other for My sake, and those who sit with each other for My sake, and those who visit each other for My sake, and those who spend on each other for My Sake.” [Malik, Muwatta]

Inviting someone, preparing food, and sitting with them each will fulfill scenarios in this hadith if you intend to do all this and love them for Allah Most High.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.