In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy

 All praise is due to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and companions and those who follow them.

There is no doubt that those who are harmed by the earthquake and who already qualify as being poor, needy, in debt, or wayfarers, are worthy of receiving zakat funds. Usually in such circumstances, the rich are able to leave these harmed areas, and thus those who remain tend to be those who are zakat eligible. It is sufficient to believe that someone is most likely deserving of zakat, in order to give it to that person.

If those who are not zakat eligible due to being rich, having other homes, and owning other wealth, are amongst those who are harmed, and what happened to them due to the earthquake did not make them poor, then such people are not allowed to take anything from the zakat.

This is regarding those receiving the zakat. As for Muslims who pay zakat, they would pay it to those harmed in general due to this calamity. However, those who are not eligible to receive zakat must clarify that they are not zakat eligible if they are offered any. And an overall belief is sufficient in this regard, as was previously mentioned.

It is also allowed for those who possess the minimum threshold of wealth to pay zakat early, according to the majority of scholars. This is based on what was narrated by al-Tirmidhi “that al-'Abbas asked God’s Messenger (peace be upon him) about paying his sadaqah (voluntary charity) in advance before it became due, and he (pbuh) gave him permission to do that.” And because it is a financial obligation at its due date, out of ease for those paying the zakat, so it is allowed to pay it early before its due date, as zakat is analogous to a debt. And we know of no modern differing opinion on this topic from the people qualified to issue fatwas.

There is no harm in paying zakat in the form of specific commodities that may be more beneficial during such difficult circumstances. This is due to what Mu’adh (may Allah be pleased with him) did with the people of Yemen, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of, when he (Mu’adh) said: “Bring me that which is worn to take from you instead of the sadaqah, for it is easier for you and better for the muhājireen (immigrants) in Madinah.” Al-Bukhari mentioned this in his chapter on commodities for zakat, and it was reported by al-Bayhaqi, al-Dāraqutni, and Ibn Abi Shaybah.

In addition, it is incumbent upon Muslims all around the world to hasten to do good deeds, to rush to help their brothers and sisters who were harmed by this earthquake, and they should not only contribute with obligatory zakat. And they should remember that whoever alleviates any one of the difficulties of this world for a Muslim, Allah will alleviate a difficulty for him/her from the difficulties of the Day of Judgment.

We ask Allah to have mercy upon their dead, to heal their injured, and to bring tranquility to their hearts, for He is the One who is able to do this, and who aids and is in charge of all affairs.

And may His peace and blessing be upon Muhammad, and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

And Allah the Exalted knows best.