Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Walaikum assalam,
In the Hanafi school, it is both permitted and best to give zakat to one’s immediate family (besides one’s parents, children, and spouse) if they are needy, unless there are others with more obvious and urgent needs that will remain unmet.
Imam Abu Bakr al-Kasani ((Allah have mercy on him) said in his Bada’i` al-Sana’i`:
“It is permitted to give zakat to anyone besides one’s parents, and offspring from one’s relatives, such as one’s brothers and sisters and others. This is because shared benefit of mutual wealth is cut off between them [f: unlike one’s parents and offspring].” [Kasani, Bada’i` al-Sana’i`, 2.50]
Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya quotes Haddadi’s Siraj al-Wahhaj as stating:
“It is best in zakat, fitr, and vows, to direct one’s money first to one’s [needy and eligible] brothers and sisters, then to their offspring, then to… [other relatives in order of closeness]…” [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1.190]
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
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.
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.
