Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta was asked whether a father may use his Zakat to help an indebted son pay his debts.
The ruling stated that a father may not give his Zakat to his indebted son because of the financial connection between parents and children and the possibility that the benefit of the Zakat could indirectly return to the father.
An indebted person who qualifies as a recipient of Zakat falls under the category of debtors mentioned among the recognized categories of Zakat recipients in the Quran.
Allah says:
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, for freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the traveler.” [Quran 9:60]
Can a Father Help His Son Pay His Debts?
The prohibition on giving Zakat to a son does not prevent a father from helping him financially.
A father may assist his indebted son in paying his debts from his personal wealth, outside his Zakat funds. Such assistance is considered an act of kindness, family support and maintaining family ties.
The distinction is therefore between Zakat, which has specific recipients, and personal wealth, which a father may use to support his son.
Can a Son Give Zakat to His Father?
Another question concerns a son who wants to give Zakat to his father to help cover the educational expenses of a younger minor brother because the father’s income is insufficient.
The basic ruling is that a son may not give Zakat to his father simply because he is his father, as parents and children have specific rules concerning Zakat.
However, there is a different situation when the intended recipient is a minor who personally qualifies for Zakat.
When Can Zakat Reach a Minor Through His Father?
If the minor brother is eligible to receive Zakat and cannot properly manage or control financial assets, a financially capable brother may give him Zakat.
The money may then be delivered to the father if he is responsible for the minor’s care or acts as his guardian, so that the father can spend it for the child.
In this case, the Zakat is not being given to the father because he is the recipient. Rather, it is being given to the eligible minor through the person responsible for caring for him.
This distinction is important when determining who is actually entitled to receive Zakat.
Can Zakat Be Given to Relatives?
Zakat may be given to relatives when they genuinely qualify as eligible recipients, and helping an eligible relative can combine the reward of charity with maintaining family ties.
However, the direct ascendants and descendants are excluded under the stated ruling, including parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren.
Other relatives may receive Zakat if they meet the requirements and fall within one of the categories specified in the Quran.
Why Give Zakat to Eligible Relatives?
Giving Zakat to a needy relative can fulfill two purposes at once: fulfilling the obligation of Zakat and maintaining family relationships.
The Prophet ﷺ said that charity given to a needy person is charity, while charity given to a relative carries both the reward of charity and maintaining family ties.
Therefore, helping an eligible relative can be a form of financial assistance that also strengthens family bonds.
Summary
A father may not give his Zakat to an indebted son to pay his debts, according to the stated ruling. However, he may help his son from his personal wealth.
Likewise, a son may not give Zakat to his father simply because he is his father. However, Zakat may reach a minor eligible recipient through his father when the father is responsible for the child’s care.
Zakat may also be given to eligible relatives, excluding direct ascendants and descendants under the stated ruling, combining financial assistance with maintaining family ties.
Can a father give Zakat to his indebted son?
No. A father may not give his Zakat to his indebted son to pay his debts under the stated ruling.
Can a father help his son pay his debts?
Yes. He may help his son using his personal wealth rather than Zakat funds.
Can a son give Zakat to his father?
Not simply because the recipient is his father.
Can Zakat be given to a minor through his father?
Yes, when the minor is eligible for Zakat and the father is acting as his guardian or responsible caregiver.
Can Zakat be given to relatives?
Yes, eligible relatives may receive Zakat, except for the direct ascendants and descendants covered by the ruling.
