Reference: 26 Rajab 1420 / 4 November 1999
Question: as-Salaam ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahe wa Barakaatuhu. It will not be hidden from your Eminence what is happening to our brothers in the Muslim countries of the Caucaus, Chechnya in particular – from the war upon Islaam and the systematic extermination of Muslims, killing and displacement of the village-dewellers, the elderly, women and children – and that, by bombardment and artillery fire upon the towns, schools, hospitals and cities. Therefore what is the ruling on giving charities and zakaah to the Muslims there and helping them with body (physically) and wealth?
Response: wa ‘Alaykum as-Salaam wa Rahmatullaahe wa Barakaatuhu. Giving charities and zakaah to the Muslims in the land of Caucaus specifically to Chechnya is permissible, so the zakaah would be for the mujaahidoon and the poor, and sadaqah (charity) is wider than that. Truly, I do ask Allaah (innee la-as.alullaaha) the Most High, to alleviate the distress of our brothers in Chechnya and of the other lands of the Muslims and to repel the deception of their enemies in their own ranks and to help the Muslims in all places.
Verily He has power over all things.
