سوال

I have a few questions regarding Zakat distribution. We are currently distributing Zakat to some charitable institutes, hospitals, and similar organizations.

They have Shariah boards and established systems, but there are a few instances that I do not fully understand, and I would like to ask for clarification.

 Hospitals: There is a reputable hospital where, if you are admitted, you don’t have to pay any money. They say that if you want to contribute, you can put something in their Zakat box. As far as I know, these hospitals are funded by the government for around 30%–60%, and the rest is covered through Zakat. At the time of admission, their process involves asking the patient if they have any gold, and then they decide whether the patient is eligible for Zakat. This is confusing for me—let's suppose the patient is not eligible for Zakat but still hasn't paid anything to the hospital. In that case, can the expense of that patient be covered through Zakat funds? Please guide us on what can be done in such a scenario.

اَلجَوَابْ بِاسْمِ مُلْہِمِ الصَّوَابْ

.Hospitals that operate under Shariah guidance ensure that zakat funds are delivered to rightful recipients. For this purpose, patient details are obtained, and the hospital, acting as the patient’s agent (wakil), pays the due bill on their behalf. In such a case, if someone provides false information and receives zakat funds despite not being eligible, the zakat will still be considered discharged from the hospital’s side if the hospital has conducted reasonable investigation.

حاشية ابن عابدين = رد المحتار ط الحلبي (2/ 352):

(دفع بتحر) أي اجتهاد وهو لغة الطلب والابتغاء، ويرادفه التوخي إلا أن الأول يستعمل في المعاملات، والثاني في العبادات. وعرفا طلب الشيء بغالب الظن عند عدم الوقوف على حقيقته نهر (قوله: لمن يظنه مصرفا) أما لو تحرى فدفع ‌لمن ‌ظنه غير مصرف أو شك ولم يتحر لم يجز حتى يظهر أنه مصرف فيجزيه في الصحيح.