Topics: Charity

Can You Give Zakat and Sadaqah to Your Sister in Need?

Understanding Zakat and Sadaqah: Can They Be Given to Family?

Question: My sister, along with her four children, is living at our father’s house. She hasn’t been divorced yet. By Allah’s grace, my mother and brother fulfill her and her children’s needs. The question is, can we give charity (sadaqah) and zakat to her? She has three tolas of gold, but no other wealth.

Answer: Since your mother and brother are supporting your sister and her needs are being fulfilled, you cannot give her zakat. However, if her needs are not being completely met, then you may give her zakat. As for charity (sadaqah), it can be given at any time. Furthermore, you should resolve the matter between her and her husband if he is not fulfilling her rights and she does not wish to live with him, then she should seek separation through divorce or khula so that if she wants to remarry, she can do so. However, if living with him is possible, even if it requires some patience, she should continue to do so.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Zakat
IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Reply to Javed Akhtar: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

A logical and theological refutation of Javed Akhtar’s atheistic objection regarding the existence of God and worldly suffering. This piece… Read More

2 days ago

Zina is a Debt” Hadith is Fabricated – Full Ruling

Zina is a debt”, “Remain chaste so your women stay chaste”, “Whoever commits zina, zina will be committed with him”… Read More

2 weeks ago

Denying Sisters Their Inheritance Share is a Major Sin

Is it allowed for fathers to give all property to sons and deprive daughters? Complete Islamic ruling with Quran (4:7,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Killing Snake & Actions Allowed in Salah Without Breaking It

Can you kill a snake, carry a child, clear throat, or silence phone during Salah? Complete list of 20 actions… Read More

2 weeks ago

Can You Pray Behind the Imam on Roof, Basement or Next House?

Can men & women pray following the Imam from a roof, basement, or adjacent house if they only hear his… Read More

2 weeks ago

Must Wife Obey Husband Who Forbids Hijab/Purdah?

Husband tells wife not to observe hijab/niqab in front of non-mahrams. Is obedience compulsory? Complete ruling on obeying husband, parents… Read More

2 weeks ago