Charity.. Dar Al-Ifta Explains Giving It to Fulfill a Need for the Deceased

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained the ruling on giving charity with the intention of relieving distress and fulfilling a need, as well as dedicating its reward to the deceased.

  Sun , August 09 2026 / 01:15 PM Updated At: 2026-08-09 13:15:16

Charity.. Dar Al-Ifta Explains Giving It to Fulfill a Need for the Deceased

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained the ruling on giving charity with the intention of fulfilling a need and relieving distress, as well as whether its reward may be dedicated to a deceased person.

Dr. Ahmed Wissam, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, stated that there is no religious objection to giving charity with the intention of having a specific need fulfilled. He also explained that a person may dedicate the reward of the charity to someone who has died.

Ruling on Giving Charity to Fulfill a Need

Dr. Ahmed Wissam explained that when a Muslim faces difficulty or hardship, it is recommended to give charity. Charity is permissible at different times and under different circumstances.

He noted that charity is not restricted to a particular time. A Muslim may give charity whenever they wish, whether the intention is to relieve distress, fulfill a need, or seek goodness. The reward may also be dedicated to a deceased person.

Is It Permissible to Give Charity to Relieve Distress?

Yes. A Muslim may give charity with the intention of relieving distress and fulfilling a need, particularly when facing hardship or a difficult situation.

The Secretary of Fatwa also highlighted the virtue of charity in warding off hardship and expiating sins, citing the reported prophetic statement: “Treat your sick with charity.”

Can the Reward of Charity Be Dedicated to the Deceased?

Dr. Ahmed Wissam explained that a Muslim may dedicate the reward of charity to a deceased person and that charity is among the deeds through which the deceased can benefit.

The Fatwa Committee of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy also stated that the reward of charity and supplication reaches the deceased and that a Muslim may give charity on behalf of another deceased Muslim or pray for them.

Does Charity Benefit the Deceased in the Grave?

The Fatwa Committee of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy confirmed that giving charity on behalf of the deceased is permissible and recommended, and that the deceased benefits from its reward.

Al-Azhar’s Fatwa Center cited an authentic narration in which a man asked the Prophet whether his deceased mother would benefit if he gave charity on her behalf. The Prophet answered in the affirmative.

Evidence That Charity Benefits the Deceased

Al-Azhar’s Fatwa Center also cited a narration recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari concerning Sa'd ibn Ubadah, may Allah be pleased with him. After his mother died while he was away, he asked the Prophet whether charity given on her behalf would benefit her, and the Prophet confirmed that it would.

This supports the permissibility of giving charity on behalf of the deceased and the deceased benefiting from its reward, according to the Fatwa Committee of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy.

When Can Charity Be Given?

The Secretary of Fatwa explained that charity is not restricted to a specific time. A Muslim may give charity whenever they wish, whether they are experiencing financial ease or hardship.

The intention may be to relieve distress, fulfill a need, or seek goodness. A Muslim may also dedicate the reward of the charity to a deceased person.

The Virtue of Charity in Relieving Distress

Charity is one of the acts of righteousness encouraged in Islam and carries great virtue. The Secretary of Fatwa highlighted its role in warding off hardship and expiating sins.

Therefore, a Muslim may give charity when facing hardship or difficulty, sincerely seeking Allah’s reward and hoping for relief and the fulfillment of their need.

Conclusion

A Muslim may give charity with the intention of fulfilling a need or relieving distress, and there is no specific time required for doing so. The reward of charity may also be dedicated to the deceased. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta and Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy confirmed that giving charity on behalf of the deceased is permissible and that the deceased benefits from its reward.

Is it permissible to give charity to fulfill a need?

Yes. A Muslim may give charity with the intention of fulfilling a specific need or relieving distress.

Can charity be given with the intention of relieving hardship?

Yes. Charity is permissible at any time and may be given with the intention of seeking relief and goodness.

Can the reward of charity be dedicated to the deceased?

Yes. A Muslim may dedicate the reward of charity to a deceased person, who benefits from its reward.

Does charity benefit the deceased?

Yes. Al-Azhar’s Fatwa Committee confirmed that the deceased benefits from charity given on their behalf.

Is there a specific time for giving charity?

No. Charity may be given at any time and is not restricted to a particular period.

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