How Can My Islamic Center Support the Work of CAIR-Texas Austin & DFW Through Zakat Funds:
Alhamdulilah, the work of CAIR-Texas Austin & DFW (CAIR-TX) to defend Islam and the dignity of Texas Muslims against hate, bigotry, and Islamophobia is essential.
- Allah says in the Quran, " You will surely be tested in your possessions and yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.(3:186)
The simple reality is that Muslims around the world and throughout time will be tested by others attacking our faith and community. This will not end, but is part of the infinite plan of Allah (Swt). It is vital that every Islamic Center actively financially supports the essential work of CAIR-TX through annual Zakat donations made at the end of the year.
Numerous Muslim scholars have confirmed that Zakat is payable to organizations that serve the Muslim community by protecting their rights. This is because the work done by CAIR (and other such organizations) can be classified as fi-sabilillah, which is one of the eight categories of Zakat recipients detailed in the Quran (Chapter 9, Verse 60).
Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Kutty a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
“I think it is not only permissible, rather it is also imperative that we do give our zakah to organizations like CAIR and CAIR-CAN, since they are fulfilling a most timely and essential service for the healthy survival of the community. Supporting such institutions clearly falls under the legitimate objectives of zakah as expounded by authentic scholars and jurists of Islam, both of the past and the present.
Nearly all of our clients are people who cannot afford legal defense. When an Islamic Center is attacked, or a politician tries to criminalize our faith, local zoning boards work to deny or delay Masjid construction, or mainstream news outlets try to demonize our faith or community, this requires a professional measured response that only CAIR-TX can provide.