Question Summary:
Will giving zakah to a madrassa/institution absolve oneself from the obligation of zakah?

Question Detail:

I recently started teaching at a Madrassa and have noticed it needs some upgrading for example chalkboards, desks and carpets for one classroom. The madrassa is supervised by the Talimi Board but is being looked after by a parent. This is its third year running. I would like to know if I can use my zakat or sadaqah money to help buy the above mentioned things?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
One of the conditions for the validity of discharging zakah is to give zakah to a legitimate recipient of zakah, being a poor and a needy person. .[i]
A madrassa is not a person and giving zakah to a madrassa will not absolve oneself from the obligation of discharging zakah. You may use sadaqah/lillah money to contribute to the wellbeing of the madrassa.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Abdul Hannan Nizami,
Student Darul Iftaa
USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net