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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thanks for your interesting question, and we implore Allah earnestly to rescue all the survivors who are suffering the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tidal waves.
Islam is a mercy for all human beings. It is a universal human message that calls for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual cooperation between all members of the human family regardless of their faith, race, color, etc.
Thus, every Muslim is encouraged to give a helping hand to those suffering from the earthquake’s devastating effects as well as all those human beings who are suffering from crisis and human tragedies. The help can be physical, financial, or spiritual.
Responding to the question, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Ash-Shanqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states the following:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded us to visit the sick and help the afflicted. Those victims of the recent earthquake are none but sick or afflicted people. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Muslims all over the world to assist in such humane activity which is meant for giving a helping hand for those in dire necessity.
When the Mother of the Believers Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), she said, “You help the needy, you stand by the afflicted and assist in every right cause.”
Although the vast the majority of Muslims scholars are of the opinion that zakah may not be given to non-Muslims, I have not found any strong evidence to support this view from the authentic texts. Yet the texts reported in respect of zakah are stated in general explicit terms.
It is so strange that at a time when the Red Cross has become known internationally as a relief organization in almost every country, the Muslims are still lagging behind in relief work. These are some of the causes behind Muslims lagging behind, and hence it is no wonder to see some of them so committed to "tribal" views that distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims even when it comes to charitable work.
Thus, the Muslim is not only allowed to help those in need or those afflicted by the earthquakes, but it is his or her obligation and religious responsibility to do so. This is applicable if the relief organization is Muslim or non-Muslim. What matters here is whether the organization is trustworthy or not. You can also read:Paying Zakah to Earthquake Victims
Zakah to Relief Organizations
Why There Are So Many Earthquakes?
Does Islam Have Anything to Offer Humanity?
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write back!
May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him. Ameen.
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