Q: The International Islamic Relief Organization holds regular charitable events called Sanabil Al-Khayr in some regions of Saudi Arabia to increase their resources and raise funds. These events are attended by the princes of the regions and major Saudi contributors. (Part No. 16; Page No. 255) Your Eminence, may Allah reward you, has contributed to many of these events, and you were one of the first people to donate money for this noble purpose.These parties are intended for offering Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) which is considered Waqf (endowment) for the charitable purposes of the Organization. However, some contributors do not mention in the donation form they sign that this is a Waqf. This causes some kind of ambiguity to officials in the Organization, concerning whether the donations given in those events are considered Waqf and should be referred to the relevant entity, or if it is a general form of charity that can be spent directly in various charitable projects that are undertaken by the Organization, such as health care, orphans, educational programs and establishing Masjids (mosques).So, I referred this matter to Your Eminence. Please advise whether the money that is submitted to the Organization on these occasions is considered Waqf for its charitable projects, to be managed and spent under their supervision, or if it is a general donation that might be spent according to the needs of the Organization. Please advise, so that the officials become well-informed concerning this issue.

A: The original rule concerning the money that is paid to this Organization is that it is considered a type of support to its activities. (Part No. 16; Page No. 256) All the money is in the form of donations that might be spent by the Organization in various forms of charity that they undertake, unless the donor stipulates that it is Waqf. In this case, it should be spent in the way that is stipulated by the Waqif (endower). The Zakah that is paid to the Organization can only be spent in the eight channels of distributing Zakah mentioned in Allah's saying, As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise. (Surah Al-Tawbah, 9: 60) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.