A charitable organization performs free heart surgeries (catheterization, open-heart surgery, and drug-eluting stents) to relieve the suffering of orphans, the poor, those with limited income, and individuals who cannot afford treatment. Kindly provide us with a written fatwa regarding whether such surgeries may be considered a legal channel for the disbursement of zakat.

Islamic law has given paramount significance to fulfilling the needs of the poor and needy, making this the foremost channel of zakat. This is clearly stated in the Quranic verse outlining the categories of zakat, "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives 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" (Quran, 9:60). This verse emphasizes the priority of the poor and needy in entitlement to zakat, highlighting the necessity of ensuring their basic needs are met, such as housing, food, education, and healthcare.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) specifically mentioned the poor and the needy in his directive to Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) when sending him to Yemen; he said, “If they obey you in that, then inform them that Allah has made it obligatory upon them to pay zakat from their wealth, to be taken from their rich and given to their poor” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Based on the above, it is permissible to allocate zakat funds for the treatment of the poor and needy, including the provision of necessary medical surgeries.  

And Allah the Almighty knows best