On the 18th of December 2021, Malaysia suffers the worst floods in 58 locations in eight states, which is expected by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET). The river was overflowed as a result of continuous rains, and it eventually became muddy filled with soil from the river banks. As a consequence, rivers surged, causing several buildings to sink, including banks and residences, as well as cutting off main routes. These massive floods caused full or utter destruction. Damages that occur in cities or high-density areas, in particular, are worse and at a greater cost.
Numerous organizations took immediate actions in relation to the incident. The NGOs, non-profit associations, the Twitter community, university clubs, and many others combined their efforts amassing workforce and financial assistance. The Zakat center, one of the major associations involved, also provides assistance through the distribution of zakat to help the survival of flood victims post flood. Truthfully, flood victims are not regarded as recipients of zakat, but Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri explained this issue in the 14th Irsyad Al-Fatwa.
Who is The Recipient of Zakat?
Zakat recipients classified into 8 groups, namely the poor, faqir, amil zakat, converts, slaves, people in debt, fi sabilillah and Ibn Sabeel. It is described in the Qur'an:
"Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." [At-Taubah:60]
This verse explained clearly that the distribution of zakat is reserved only for certain recipients. This is due to the risk of malpractice and bias in distributing zakat funds. Only eight recipients were listed, there is no mention of zakat for those affected by natural disasters or flood victims.
Zakat for Flood Victims
Dr. Zulkifli explained that most scholars opined that zakat should not be given to other than the eight recipients of this group. Mazhab Syafie set the obligation towards these eight groups to be distributed for every member of the community. While other scholars opined that it is necessary to provide for certain groups only. Dr. Zulkifli's opinion is further supported by Ibn Ajil al-Asma'ie and other modern scholars because it is difficult to find these eight categories of asnaf today.
Returning to the main point, some scholars believe that those who are affected by disasters that cause property destruction should be assisted, as well as debt relief for themselves and their families. Those who experience this situation are classified as asnaf al-gharimin i.e. people who are in debt. Some scholars expect the zakat distribution that assists this type of group to be given for necessity in nature and not for extravagance or luxury. As a result, it is deemed necessary to distribute zakat to individuals who are impacted by catastrophes like floods, tornadoes, landslides, earthquakes, or other incidents that damage their houses, destroy their crops and leave them with nothing.
The Scholars 'Interpretation of Al-Gharimin
Imam al-'Azim al-Abadi explained: "Whoever is suffering due to destruction from sky or earth such as cold, drowning or related event that caused him no more property to live then it should ask until he can continue his life again."
Dr. Yusuf Al-Qardhawi also responds towards this issue: "I specify the nature of al-gharimin is a group of people that affected by natural disasters which their property are being destroyed and forced the owner to issue into debt are allowed to classify as al-gharimin"
Conclusion
Every year, Malaysia experiences floods that usually occur on the east coast. At the end of 2021, Malaysians were tested by one of the worst major floods involving the west coast, mainly in the urban areas. Islam, as a religion of comprehensiveness, stresses aiding those affected by the incidents as an obligation. The Zakat Center will continue to offer zakat aid to individuals who have been afflicted by the tragedy that has ruined their homes, damaged their crops, and left them with nothing.