Fatwa #469903 May 2021Pakistan
Can I give Zakat to my parents and relatives?
Question
assalam o alaikum
Im from pakistan I wanted to ask about zakath that whatever amount I have been bound to pay can I give it to my blood relation relatives, who have no proper source of income. I wanted to help them out by buying them what such things which help out in their living.
I have heared some lectures on zakat distribution, but I want to ask you directly can I give it to my closest blood relatives, my parents, and sisters please reply
Jazal Allah khair
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu 'alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
In principle, it is not permissible to give Zakat to one's ascendents (parents and grandparents) and descendants (children and grandchildren.)[1]
If your siblings and close relatives are not owners of Nisab which is 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver, then it is preferable to give your Zakat to them.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to inform them that it is Zakat money being given. In fact, it may be preferable not to inform them since they may feel ashamed to accept Zakat. The Niyah for Zakat should be made whilst giving it as a Hadiya (gift).
And Allah Ta'āla Knows Best
Hasan Ahmed Razzak
Student – Darul Iftaa
Paterson, New Jersey, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
(الهداية ج-1 ص-591)
ولا يدفع المزكي زكاته إلى ابيه و جده و إن علا و لا إلى ولده و ولد ولده و إن سفل
اللباب في شرح الكتاب ط-أخرى (ص: 80)
(ولا يدفع المزكي زكائه إلى أبيه وجده وإن علا ولا إلى ولده وولد ولده وإن سفل)؛ لأن منافع الأملاك بينهم متصلة: فلا يتحقق التمليك على الكمال
مجمع الأنهر في شرح ملتقى الأبحر (1/ 224)
(ولا يدفع) المزكي زكاته (إلى أصله وإن علا أو فرعه وإن سفل) سواء كان بالنكاح أو السفاح؛ لأن المنافع بينهم متصلة فلا يتحقق التمليك على الكمال (أو) إلى (زوجته) بالاتفاق
احسن الفتاوي ج-4 ص-259