Paying Zakat to one’s family members

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:

I am a 24 yr old unmarried girl working and living on my own (paying rent). My question is regarding zakat... can I give zakat to my family/parents (who have some financial difficulty)? if so, then do I have to let them know that the money I am giving them is zakat (since I usually do give them money)? also, can you please let me know how much and what items I must pay zakat on( cash savings, car, clothes, etc).

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate

The giver cannot materially benefit from giving their zakat. As such, one cannot give zakat to one’s parents, children, or spouse, because benefits between these people are shared.

However, zakat can be given to other family members (such as one’s brethren), and relatives (such as uncles, aunts, and cousins, for example).

Wassalam

Faraz Rabbani

 

MMVIII © Faraz Rabbani and Qibla.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of both copyright holders. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.

Now What?

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.

Through joining an online class at Qibla, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.

Related Links:

  1. Why you'll love our courses
  2. How SunniPath courses work (video)
  3. What our students say
  4. Our current available courses