‘Zakat can be used for medical treatment’

RIYADH: Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a top scholar, said that Zakat can be used for the medical treatment of the poor, including purchase of medicines and other operational costs.
Al-Mutlaq, who is also adviser at the Royal Court, made his observation at an event hosted by the Zamzam Association for Health Services, a charitable organization based in the Makkah region. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, who is head of the senior scholars and the Department of Scientific Research and Ifta, was among those present.
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 imposed by the Almighty Allah from the rich for the benefit of the poor in line with the teachings of Islam.
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.”
On his part, the grand mufti said that the Zamzam foundation has been providing great services to the people, and it deserves encouragement and moral support, both material and financial, in order to implement its aims to the fullest.
Al-Asheikh added: “Such a deed is among the best acts of worship.”
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.