Giving Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory on those men and women who possess a certain amount of wealth, known as “Nisab” in Islamic terminology. The value or amount of Nisab is predetermined in Islamic jurisprudence based on authentic references in the Quran and Hadith. In general, the Nisab, which makes its holder liable to give Zakat, is the amount equal to the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Likewise, the amount of Zakat is specifically mentioned in Islamic Jurisprudence: 2.5% of a person’s total wealth over the course of one year. If a person’s total wealth is less than the value of Nisab, they are not obliged to pay Zakat.
Although the majority of Muslims across the Muslim World prefer to give Zakat during the month of Ramadan, there is no restriction on when it can be given; Zakat can be given at any time of year. However, not everyone is eligible to receive Zakat; the eight categories of Zakat recipients are explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Generally, the poor (fuqara) or needy (masakeen) are considered the most eligible recipients of Zakat. In this context, a very common question is “Can I give zakat to my poor relatives?”
In this blog, we will explore the correct answer to this important question, supported with authentic references from the Quran and Hadith.
Giving Zakat is Obligatory in Islam
Before exploring the correct answer to the question “Can I give zakat to my poor relatives?”, it is appropriate to find out some basic things about giving Zakat, as per Islamic teachings. Zakat, which translates to “to purify” or “to grow”. It can also be translated to “to increase”. The Islamic concept of giving Zakat is multi-dimensional. It not only purifies one’s wealth but also increases and grows it.
On the other hand, it is an act of worship. It also forms the basis of the Islamic financial system, as it binds the rich to extend financial assistance to those in need. Zakat is made mandatory in Islam, and it is mentioned multiple times in the Quran. Most of the time, it is mentioned alongside Salah, such as the 43rd verse of Surah Al-Baqarah.
Translation
Be firm in devotion; give zakat (the due share of your wealth for the welfare of others), and bow with those who bow (before God).
Similarly, giving Zakat is also mentioned in the 110th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, as well as in many other verses of the Quran. Therefore, giving Zakat is included in the five pillars of Islam.
Eligibility to Receive Zakat in Islam
Not everyone is eligible to receive Zakat as per Islamic teachings. While it is generally believed that Zakat can be given to those in need of financial assistance, Islam specifically mentions eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakat. The eight categories to whom zakat can be given are mentioned in the 60th verse of Surah At-Tawba.
Translation
Charities are meant for the indigent and needy, and those who collect and distribute them, and those whom you wish to win over, and for redeeming slaves (and captives), and those who are burdened with debt, and in the cause of God, and the wayfarers: So does God ordain. God is all-knowing and all-wise.
Accordingly, the following are eligible categories, where Zakat can be utilized:
- Poor (فُقَرَاۗ) – Fuqarah
- Needy (لْمَسٰكِيْنِ) – Masakeen
- Those engaged in the collection and distribution of Zakat in the Islamic system (عٰمِلِيْنَ)
- Those whose hearts are required to be reconciled (لْمُؤَلَّفَۃِ قُلُوْبُہُمْ)
- To free Slaves and Captives (لرِّقَابِ)
- Those under debt (غٰرِمِيْنَ)
- In the Cause and Way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللہِ)
- The wayfarers or Travelers (ابْنِ السَّبِيْلِ)
Giving Zakat to Poor Relatives
The Quranic Verse quoted above clearly defines the persons who are eligible to receive Zakat. The list of eight such categories indicates that relatives are most likely to fall under the first two categories, i.e., poor and needy. So, in a broader sense, any of our relatives who are poor and need financial assistance can be helped out through Zakat. There are many Hadiths on this topic, such as Hadith 658 of Jami At-Tirmidhi.
Translation of relevant part
Charity given to the needy is (counted as) charity, and if it is given to relatives, it is (counted as) two: charity and nurturing (the ties of kinship).
A similar subject is also mentioned in Hadith 1466 of Sahih Al-Bukhari, in a different context.
These Hadiths clearly mention that Zakat can be given to poor and needy relatives. Above that, it is also made clear in this Hadith that giving Zakat to needy relatives brings double rewards, one for giving zakat and the second for taking care of kinship. It also implies that helping out any of our close relatives not only frees them from stress but also develops close ties with us, which is one of the basic teachings of Islam, known as “Sila-e-Rehmi”. Sila-e-Rehmi can be translated to “maintenance of close ties with relatives.
Hence, the simple and straightforward answer to this important question, “Can I give Zakat to my poor relatives?” is “Yes, it can be given to poor and needy relatives”. But whether all our poor and needy relatives fall under the permissible list for giving to help them with Zakat is yet another important and sensitive issue.
· Eligibility of Relatives for Giving Zakat or Otherwise
In fact, not all our poor relatives are eligible for our Zakat. Under Islamic jurisprudence, relatives can be divided into two groups. The first group of relatives is those who are under our direct financial responsibility, and the second group comprises those relatives who do not fall under our direct responsibility.
Accordingly, the relatives for whom we are directly responsible to fulfill their financial needs are not eligible for our Zakat, because meeting their needs is our duty, which we are bound to do. On the other hand, the relatives falling in the second group can receive our Zakat, because we are not directly responsible for fulfilling their needs, hence we can help them through our Zakat.
· Relatives Not Eligible for Our Zakat
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Wife
· Relatives Eligible for Our Zakat
All relatives other than those mentioned above can receive financial help through our Zakat, including:
- Siblings
- Cousins
- Uncles
- Aunts
- Nieces
- Nephews
- In-Laws
- Husband
· Zakat Eligibility or Otherwise – Husband and Wife
From the list of relatives, eligible or not eligible for our Zakat, it can be noticed that the husband can receive Zakat from his wife, whereas the wife cannot receive Zakat from their husband. To better understand this situation, we should always remember the basic principle that those relatives who are under our direct financial responsibility cannot be helped out with our Zakat. Since a wife is under the husband’s responsibility, a husband cannot give Zakat to his wife. He is otherwise bound to fulfill the financial needs of his wife, but not through Zakat.
Eligibility for a husband to receive Zakat from his wife is specifically mentioned in Hadith, such as Hadith 1466 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. It is narrated in this Hadith that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ clearly authorized Zaynab, wife of Abdullah Ibn Masud, to she can help her husband with Zakat.
Translation of relevant part
Ask the Prophet (ﷺ) whether it is permissible for me to spend (the Zakat) on my husband and the orphans under my protection………………………. The Prophet said, “Yes, (it is sufficient for her) and she will receive a double reward (for that): One for helping relatives, and the other for giving Zakat.
Conclusion
Giving Zakat to those who are in need of financial help is a religious obligation of everyone who holds wealth beyond the prescribed limit, known as “Nisab” in Islam. There are many Quranic verses and Hadiths on this subject. Similarly, one can also give Zakat to their relatives, which is also evidenced in many Hadiths. However, those relatives who are under your financial responsibilities, such as your wife, parents, and children, are included. Zakat can only be given to those poor and needy relatives who do not come under your financial responsibility, such as siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Hence, the Islamic Jurisprudence clearly defines to whom we can give Zakat and who are not eligible to receive our Zakat. As a general rule, you can give Zakat to your relatives, who are out of your responsibility. Doing so is also highly encouraged in Islam.
