Allah Almighty has enabled us to establish a charity. The main activity of this charity is to prepare those who have memorized the Qur’an to act as role models of good morals and character. We are preparing practical specialized programs which aim to develop their [ability] to memorize the Qur’an, acquire good manners, and emulate the Prophet as a role mode; and in affiliation with human development centers, we are working towards developing their intellectual and behavioral skills to build multi-talented personalities, discover their talents, and develop and firmly establish their affiliation to their Muslim ancestors. The question is: 

• Is it permissible to spend zakat money on such programs since they require huge amounts of financial support reaching 1,500 EGP per month for each child and which it has been possible to reduce to 380 EGP by relying on volunteers?

• Is it permissible to use some of these funds on teaching them handicrafts, which develop the right lobe of the brain and teach them the importance of self-reliance, earning from their own labor, and focusing their energies?

• Is it permissible to use some of these funds to teach them sports, which develops their physical fitness?

• Is it permissible to use some of these funds towards the installments for purchasing a place for teaching and preparing people who memorize and bear the Qur’an? Please clarify the legal ruling.
 

It is permissible to spend from zakat money on all of these activities with the zakat money being the second source of expenditure (after paying zakat to the prescribed recipients). It is permissible to spend zakat fully and directly on memorizing the Qur‘an.

Allah Most High knows best.