Zakat is the third of the five pillars of Islam and is one of the critical acts of worship. It calls on Muslims to contribute a fraction of their wealth to the needy. But one of the most common question is: “Can you give zakat to family.”?

The answer hinges on Islamic teachings, which contain specific rules about who is eligible for Zakat. Some family members qualify; others do not. In this article, we will go through these guidelines with explanations to understand the wisdom behind them and to demonstrate how it is beneficial for you, your family, and society as a whole to give Zakat correctly.

What Is Zakat?

Its Zakat is annual and a must for any Muslim who meets the financial criteria. It is calculated as 2.5 percent of an individual’s savings and is designed to purify wealth and support the less fortunate.

The Quran highlighted the significance of Zakat:

Prayer has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed for those before you. (Quran 2:43)

Pay Zakat will help you fulfil your duty to Allah and assist in poverty alleviation and social inequality.

Can You Give Zakat to Family?

You can give Zakat to family members; yes, but there are restrictions. Islam encourages Muslims to uphold their family and relatives in need, for it strengthens the roots of the family and avoids the division of people. It is worth noting that not all members of a family can receive Zakat.

Who Can Receive Zakat in Your Family?

1. Siblings

Zakat can also be given to your brothers and sisters if they are having financial problems or are in debt.

2. Aunts and Uncles

Paternal and maternal aunts and uncles are eligible if they are not rich, needy, or unable to pay off debts.

3. Cousins

Cousins (maternal or paternal) would be eligible for Zakat if they are qualified.

4. Extended Relatives

Nephews and nieces are part of your extended family, and other distant relatives like cousins are also eligible for Zakat if they are really in need.

Who Cannot Receive Zakat in Your Family?

1. Parents and Grandparents

A Zakat Payment Cannot Be Made to Parents, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents. Financially supporting them falls squarely on your shoulders.

2. Children and Grandchildren

You cannot give Zakat to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as that is also your responsibility.

3. Spouse

Zakat cannot be given to your husband or wife, as you are financially responsible for her.

Why Are Some Family Members Ineligible for Zakat?

Islam encourages family connection. Via financial obligations, parents, children, and spouses are your immediate kinsfolk. Your regular income, not Zakat, must support these relatives. This makes sure Zakat reaches the ones who are not already your financial responsibility.

Conditions for Giving Zakat to Family Members

When giving Zakat to family members, certain conditions must be met:

There are some conditions attached when it comes to Zakat for family members:

1. They Must Qualify: According to the Quran, the final recipient must fall into one of the eight categories of Zakat recipients.
2. They Should Be Needy: Only the needy (including those who cannot afford to repay their debts) can receive Zakat.
3. They Need To Be Muslim: Zakat is only paid to Muslims.

The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients

The Quran (9:60) specifies the categories of people who can receive Zakat:

1. The Poor (Fuqara): Those with no income or those without means to live.
2. The Needy (Masakeen): People who cannot meet their basic needs even though they do have some resources.
3. Zakat Collectors: People whose job it is to collect and distribute Zakat.
4. New Muslims: converts who require financial assistance to settle their new lives.
5. Slaves: Zakat has traditionally been employed to buy the freedom of slaves.
6. Debtors: Those participating in debts that they are unable to repay.
7. In the Path of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): for those striving for Islamic causes, including education or community projects.
8. Travelers: Stranded people who need more resources to get home.

Benefits of Giving Zakat to Family Members

1. Strengthens Family Bonds

Those who give Zakat to relatives eligible for Zakat will love, trust, and unite the family.

2. Earns Greater Rewards

You get double rewards for helping your family with Zakat—one reward for the Zakat and another for keeping the ties of family.

3. Provides Immediate Relief

Family members can sense each other’s needs more efficiently. This way, your Zakat will make its way directly to someone who really needs it.

4. Promotes a Culture of Giving

By helping relatives, you guide others in your family to share, and you also create a ripple effect of generosity.

5. Upholds the Purpose of Zakat

Zakat to relatives is Zakat in its true sense because it helps the needy and purifies wealth.

How to Calculate Zakat

1. Determine Your Assets: Include savings, gold, silver, investments, and business profits.
2. Deduct Liabilities: Subtract debts and necessary expenses from your assets.
3. Check the Nisab Threshold: If your wealth exceeds the Nisab (value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver), you must pay Zakat.
4. Calculate 2.5%: Multiply your remaining wealth by 2.5% to determine your Zakat.

Practical Tips for Giving Zakat

1. Check eligibility: Verify if individuals under your care qualify for Zakat charity.
2. Give With Intention: Have a clear intention that you are fulfilling your Zakat obligation.
3. Opt for Word of Mouth: In the absence of any relevant relatives, transfer funds via reputed entities such as SPAR Bangladesh to facilitate deserving individuals.
4. Zakat Documentation: Maintain records of Zakat contributions and distribution.
5. Teaching Relatives: Make your families understand the importance of Zakat and its place in Islam.

Common Questions About Zakat

1. Are you considering giving Zakat to a relative who needs temporary support?

Yet, Zakat is not for such people/debtors who just need to inflate their savings ONCE.

2. Am I Allowed To Pay Off A Family Member’s Debt Through Zakat?

Yes, if the debt is valid and they cannot pay it.

3. Can I Give Zakat as a Gift?

He is answering questions using data compiled until October 2023.

4. Is It Permissible to Give Zakat to Non-Muslims?

No, it shall be given to only Muslims. Other than Muslims, donate Sadaqah.

5. What if a family member needs medical help?

The family member must be poor or needy, and if they qualify, Zakat can be utilised to support medical expenses.

Final Thoughts

The question “Can you give Zakat to family?” It is vital for Muslims who seek to follow Islamic teachings correctly. Some relatives can receive Zakat while other relatives cannot receive Zakat like parents and children. By knowing these rules, you will ensure the Zakat you pay serves the purpose of helping the needy.

Following these guidelines and giving Zakat sincerely not only aids you in performing your religious duty but also enhances family ties and will, Insha’Allah, bring blessings in your life.