Gavin Howe
Zakat is a religious obligation in Islam, where Muslims donate a portion of their wealth to those in need. While the Quran outlines who is eligible to receive Zakat, there is confusion about whether it can be given to family members. This is because the relationship between the giver and recipient must be considered, and there are rules and restrictions on who can give Zakat, how much they must give, and to whom it is given. So, can Zakat be given to a father-in-law?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Zakat? | A mandatory charity required of all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. |
| Who can receive Zakat? | The poor, the needy, those who collect and distribute Zakat, and eligible students. |
| Can you give Zakat to family members? | Yes, except for blood relatives (son, daughter, wife, parents, or grandparents). |
| Can you give Zakat to your father-in-law? | Yes, as long as they are needy and you do not benefit from it. |
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What You'll Learn
- Islamic scholars disagree about the lawfulness of giving zakat to family members
- A father-in-law is a close blood relative, and it is generally impermissible to give zakat to these relatives
- However, some scholars argue that it is permissible to give zakat to close blood relatives if they are in financial need
- The Hanafi School states that it is superior to give zakat to one's immediate family if they are needy
- It is permissible to give zakat to a mother-in-law if she is in need
Islamic scholars disagree about the lawfulness of giving zakat to family members
Zakat, derived from the Arabic word meaning "that which purifies," is a fundamental pillar of Islam. It refers to the obligatory payment of a portion of one's wealth to those in need, as prescribed by Islamic law. The Quran outlines specific criteria for recipients, including the poor, the needy, and those who collect and distribute zakat. The act of giving zakat is considered a form of worship and a way to purify one's wealth and soul.
The disagreement among scholars centres on the eligibility of family members, particularly those who are financially dependent on the giver. Some scholars argue that giving zakat to immediate family members, such as parents, children, and spouses, is not permissible because the giver indirectly benefits from it. This view is based on the principle that zakat should not bring indirect benefit to the giver and should remain accessible to the general public.
However, other scholars, particularly those from the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools of thought, hold a more nuanced position. They argue that giving zakat to eligible family members is not only permissible but also commendable, as it combines the acts of giving zakat and maintaining family relationships. They differentiate between immediate blood relatives (Usool) and distant relatives (Furoo). While giving zakat to Usool members, such as parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren, may be acceptable if there is no financial dependency, providing for distant relatives in need is generally encouraged.
The debate also extends to in-laws, with some scholars like Imam Ibn Abidin permitting giving zakat to parents-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law. This is based on the rationale that the sharing of benefits and wealth between these relatives is typically not expected. However, other scholars may disagree, considering in-laws as part of the immediate family, and thus exempt from receiving zakat.
Ultimately, the lawfulness of giving zakat to family members remains a complex issue, and individual Muslims may seek guidance from specific schools of Islamic Law or consult with Islamic scholars for more detailed rulings.
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A father-in-law is a close blood relative, and it is generally impermissible to give zakat to these relatives
The concept of zakat in Islam revolves around the idea of purifying one's wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need. While zakat is often equated with charity, it is more specific and comes with rules and restrictions on who can give it, how much they must give, and who can receive it.
According to Islamic scholars, close blood relatives (Usool) are those with whom heredity began and/or continues. This group includes a person's parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. There is disagreement among scholars about the lawfulness of paying zakat to these close relatives. Hanafi and Hanbali scholars believe it is not permissible for any of these relatives to accept zakat, as it is the giver's responsibility to care for them, and they will benefit from the zakat. Shafi'i and Malik, on the other hand, believe it is permissible to give zakat to these relatives, but only if the giver has no financial responsibility towards them.
A father-in-law is a close blood relative, and according to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought, it would generally be impermissible to give zakat to him. This is because the giver would benefit indirectly from the zakat, as the father-in-law is part of the extended family, and the wealth would remain within the family. However, if the giver has no financial responsibility towards the father-in-law, Shafi'i and Malik scholars may deem it permissible.
It is important to note that the eligibility of family members for receiving zakat should be carefully considered, and if there are no eligible family members, one can donate their zakat to organisations that support those in need.
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However, some scholars argue that it is permissible to give zakat to close blood relatives if they are in financial need
The question of whether one can give zakat to family members is a complex one, and opinions vary among Islamic scholars. While some maintain that it is permissible to give zakat to eligible relatives, others argue that certain close relatives are exempt from receiving it. This is to ensure that the act of giving zakat benefits the wider community and does not remain confined within one's family.
According to Islamic law, zakat is a form of obligatory charity that Muslims must pay to purify their wealth and provide for those in need. It is the third pillar of Islam and involves donating a portion of one's wealth, typically calculated as 2.5% of total wealth or money, to eligible recipients. These recipients are outlined in the Quran and include the poor, the needy, and those who collect and distribute zakat.
When it comes to giving zakat to family members, there are differing opinions among scholars. Some scholars argue that it is permissible to give zakat to eligible relatives, including distant relatives such as brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. This is based on the belief that providing financial support to family members in need can strengthen family bonds and promote compassion within the community.
However, there are restrictions on giving zakat to immediate or close blood relatives, such as parents, grandparents, children, and spouses. This is because the giver may indirectly benefit from the zakat, as they are already financially responsible for these relatives. The Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought generally align with this view, stating that it is not permissible for these close relatives to accept or be offered zakat.
On the other hand, some scholars, including Shafi'i and Malik, argue that it is permissible to give zakat to close blood relatives if they are in financial need and the giver has no financial obligations towards them. Imam Ibn Abidin, a Hanafi scholar, supports this view, stating that one may give zakat to their father-in-law, mother-in-law, and other relatives if they are needy. This is because the sharing of benefits and wealth between them does not normally take place, and it combines the commendable acts of giving zakat and maintaining family relationships.
Ultimately, the decision to give zakat to a father-in-law may depend on the specific circumstances and the interpretation of Islamic law followed by the individual. While some scholars advise against giving zakat to immediate family members, others emphasize the greater reward of helping those closest to you.
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The Hanafi School states that it is superior to give zakat to one's immediate family if they are needy
According to the Hanafi School of thought, it is permissible to give Zakat to one's needy immediate family and relatives. This is because, by doing so, one combines two commendable acts: giving Zakat and maintaining family ties (silat al-rahim). However, it is important to note that the sharing of benefits and wealth between certain family members, such as parents and children, and spouses, is considered to be shared. Therefore, giving Zakat to these individuals is not permitted as it would result in benefiting materially from one's own Zakat.
The Hanafi School's position on giving Zakat to family members is based on the understanding that one can pay Zakat to relatives even if there is a financial responsibility towards them, except for specific close relatives. These exceptions typically include one's spouse, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, and children. It is worth noting that some scholars include siblings in this list of exceptions as well.
In the case of in-laws, it is permissible to give Zakat to one's father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law. This is because the sharing of benefits and wealth between in-laws is not as common as it is between parents and children or spouses. Therefore, giving Zakat to in-laws is generally considered acceptable, especially if they are needy.
It is important to prioritize those with more obvious and urgent needs when giving Zakat. While supporting family ties is commendable, ensuring that those in dire need receive assistance should take precedence. Additionally, it is worth noting that the concept of Zakat involves transferring ownership of a part of one's wealth to be given to a poor Muslim, without expecting any material benefit in return. Therefore, the giver cannot benefit materially from their act of giving Zakat.
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It is permissible to give zakat to a mother-in-law if she is in need
Muslim scholars disagree about the lawfulness of paying Zakat to family members. The Hanafi and Hanbali scholars believe that it is not permissible for any immediate/blood relatives (Usool) to accept or be offered Zakat. This group includes parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. However, Shafi'i and Malik scholars argue that it is permissible to give Zakat to these relatives on the condition that the giver has no financial responsibility towards them.
According to Islamic scholars, there are three categories for giving Zakat within the family: Close Blood Relatives (Usool), Distant Relatives (Furoo), and Spouses. It is generally agreed upon that it is not permissible for a husband to give Zakat to his wife, as he is responsible for her basic needs and living expenses. On the other hand, there is a debate among scholars about a wife giving Zakat to her husband, with most scholars arguing against it.
When determining whether it is permissible to give Zakat to a family member, it is essential to consider the eligibility of the recipient and the distribution of Zakat among those who are eligible. Additionally, the following questions can provide guidance:
- Are you already obligated to provide for the living expenses of the family member in need?
- Is ownership of the wealth out of which you are paying your Zakat continuous with the family member receiving the payment?
- Who is dispensing the Zakat payment to the family member—you or an authority/agency?
In the case of giving Zakat to a mother-in-law, it is permissible if she is in need. In-laws are considered distant relatives, and according to Ibn Abidin and Ala’ al-Din Abidin, giving Zakat to a needy in-law is not only permissible but also carries greater reward than giving to strangers. This act is seen as maintaining family ties (silat al-rahim). Therefore, if your mother-in-law meets the eligibility criteria for receiving Zakat and you are not financially responsible for her, it is permissible to provide her with financial support through Zakat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can give Zakat to your father-in-law if he is needy.
Yes, you can give Zakat to your mother-in-law if she is needy.
Yes, you can give Zakat to your siblings-in-law if they are needy.
Yes, you can give Zakat to your son-in-law or daughter-in-law if they are needy.
