Q: In the compound where we live, there is a well that has been assigned as Waqf (endowment) by our grandfather who was the founder of this compound. The well became dry in the last few years. Water specialists say that it needs reconstruction. For this reason, I have been saving my Zakah (obligatory charity) money for twenty years to use the sum in reconstructing the well, seeking Allah's grand reward for this Insha'a Allah (If Allah wills), also to convey the benefit of this well to many people. Is it permissible for me to save the money of Zakah for the intention of reconstructing this well? Some educated people have told me that it is impermissible to keep the Zakah money for all these years, knowing that the well has restored its water since about two years ago because of rain. If it is permissible for me to save my Zakah money for years, should I keep it until the well dries again? Or should I spend it on any other aspect of charity?

(Part No. 10; Page No. 43)  A: Allah (May he be Exalted) has clarified the channels of spending Zakah in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse): 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) Therefore, it is impermissible to pay it in channels other than the specified ones by Allah (May he be Exalted). Based on this, what you have kept [of Zakah money] and what you are going to pay in the future [of Zakah money] should be spent in its lawful channels that are already clarified in this Ayah. This well is not from the prescribed channels of spending the money of Zakah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.