Q: I would like to know how do I know if I qualify for a bursary that uses zakaat funds to pay university fees? I am a university student that does not earn any income. What are the rules regarding eligibility to receive a zakaat bursary?
A. For a person to qualify for the acceptance of Zakaat, note the following:
The person’s assets must be less than the current Nisaab amount. This Nisaab amount fluctuates, so find out the amount from your local Aalim or Imam.
The person must not possess goods, household furniture, etc. in excess of what he or she needs. If there are extra possessions that are not in use, the person will not qualify for Zakaat unless these excess goods are sold and the money used up. The same applies to gold, silver, jewellery, etc.
Allah Ta’aala knows best.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked by: Mufti Siraj Desai