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| Response: In one of your answers you
have mentioned that in the Qur’a#nic
directives about the distribution of Zaka#h,
there is no mention of faith, hence Zaka#h
can be given to non-Muslims. I remember having read some time ago that
Zaka#h cannot be given to non-Muslims.
Is there a precedence for the distribution of Zaka#h
to non-Muslims in the times of the Rightly Guided Caliphs?
Comment: In my opinion, the correct approach in finding an answer about issues relating to Islam is to look into the original sources. Islamic History is not a source of Islam. It is only a record of certain events. The original sources of Islam -- the Qur’a#n and the Sunnah -- are unimpeachable and unfaltering. Everything specified by them stands beyond question. Since nowhere has the Qur’a#n discriminated between the recipients of Zaka#h on the basis of faith, no one has the right or authority to do so. It is my firm belief that the Rightly Guided Caliphs in compliance with this directive would certainly have not done so. Consequently, people who hold a contrary opinion need to present evidence in their support, and the onus of presenting a contrary instance rests with them. |