Discussion between representatives of 'Al-Ḥikmah Al-Yamāniyyah Charitable Association' and Sheikh Albāni raḥimahullāh

Representative: We have some questions O Sheikh. Sheikh Albani: We are expecting other people from Saudi and Kuwait who are coming to ask questions also. For this reason, I suggest you may choose the most important questions first so that when they arrive, they can also take their turn. Otherwise, the time will be yours, inshaAllāh, as much as possible. However, it is essential to begin with the most important matters first. Representative: In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allāh, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allāh. Honourable Sheikh, we have an issue that has preoccupied many young people, especially those involved in the Islamic awakening. The matter at hand concerns charitable organisations, with some people viewing them as misguided and an innovation, claiming that they promote detestable Hizbiyyah without any basis in the Shari'ah. In particular, there is an organisation called 'Al-Hikmah Al-Yamaniyyah Charitable Association'. This booklet outlines its objectives, and there has been much debate surrounding it. I will summarise its goals so that you may assess them based on your knowledge: 1. Contributing to the documentation and promotion of Yemen’s Islamic heritage specifically and the legacy of the righteous Salaf in general—particularly through the preservation, verification, publication, and distribution of manuscripts and scholarly works, in coordination with relevant authorities such as the General Authority for Antiquities and Libraries. 2. Providing care for orphaned students and supporting preachers and those without family support, helping them socially and academically. 3. Establishing masājid, public libraries, clinics, and water wells, as well as managing zakat funds and ensuring their proper distribution according to Islamic guidelines, with approval from relevant authorities. 4. Inviting people to adhere to the teachings of Islam through wisdom and kind admonition, using all legitimate means. 5. Educating Muslims about their faith and highlighting authentic teachings while refuting innovations and superstitions that have distorted the image of Islam and hindered the progress of Muslims. 6. Cooperating and coordinating with local organisations and associations, as well as participating in regional and international bodies with similar objectives, in accordance with administrative regulations. Honourable Sheikh, to clarify further, the charity organisation has members who officially join by receiving a membership card –without a photo— and contributing a monthly fee of fifty riyals. It is managed by an elected board of directors, including a chairman, secretary-general, and financial officer, who oversee its operations. The board meets monthly or as needed and appoints staff to facilitate various projects, such as orphan sponsorship, community assistance, and infrastructure development. The charity organisation has been active for nearly two years, supporting orphans, needy families, and Eritrean and Somali refugees returning from migration (from Saudi after the Gulf War)—without imposing membership conditions or ideological restrictions. This demonstrates its inclusivity and lack of Hizbi bias. Additionally, the charity runs Qur'ān memorisation schools, setting specific conditions for supporting teachers. These include passing a competency exam, adhering to correct creed, maintaining a structured teaching schedule, monitoring student attendance, submitting progress reports, and participating in teacher meetings to address educational challenges. The charity organisation also supports Islamic educational centres and preachers, requiring them to submit periodic reports and structured programmes for monitoring. Furthermore, they must coordinate with the scholarly committees of the charity organisation regarding the curriculum and recommended study materials.