Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Treat you ill by giving Sadaqah
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Protect your wealth by [discharging] zakat, treat your ill by giving sadaqah and prepare for calamity in advance by engaging in dua.’ [Shu’abul Imaan]
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Question and Answer:
- I have received information suggesting that donating fish as Sadaqah is particularly effective. Specifically, the suggestion is to purchase fish and distribute it with the intention of Sadaqah. I would like to verify the validity of this information and seek your guidance on whether it would be appropriate to proceed with such an act.
Presently, I have a family member who is severely ill. Despite seeking medical assistance from numerous doctors, including specialists, their condition remains challenging. We have distributed Sadaqah by sacrificing a sheep and a cow.
I kindly request your insights and guidance on the effectiveness of donating fish as an act of Sadaqah and any additional recommendations you may have in this regard.
- A. Sadaqah is beneficial for curing the ill and sick person. We have not come across any specific form of Sadaqah of fish for the said purpose. The Ahaadeeth are general and hence any form of Sadaqah with the said intention will suffice for curing the sick person.
Some of the pious scholars of the past have advised giving water in Sadaqah as a cure for illness. Hereunder is an incident on how a man got cured of an illness he suffered from for seven years by giving water as Sadaqah to the needy.
Ali ibn Hasan ibn Shaqeeq relates that he heard a man asking Abdullah ibn Mubarak Rahimahullah about a wound he had on his knees for the past seven years and that various treatments were sought but to no avail. Abdullah Ibn Mubarak Rahimahullah advised the man to look for a place where people are in need of water and dig a well there. He further said, “I hope that there will be a flowing spring of water found there and your wound will be cured”. The man did as advised and soon thereafter he was cured. (At-Targheeb Wat-Tarheeb #1426)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
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Website : www.jamiat.org.za
