Q 2: My father died several years ago. My mother is still alive. All the income she has is a pension that hardly suffices her basic needs. I also have a brother who has graduated from a high institute and has not started working yet. My paternal aunt, whose husband met his death, lives with us in our family house. She has neither income nor pension save a small piece of land that she owns. Now I have to pay my Zakah (obligatory charity).
Is it permissible for me to pay some Zakah to my family to subsidize and help them
meet the hardships of life and living costs or buy some basic home sets, such as a refrigerator, cooker, etc., through allocating a monthly sum for this purpose?
A:
It is not permissible for you to give any of the Zakah you owe to those on whom you are obliged to support financially, such as your mother, even if they have no income. You have to support them financially in the same way you support yourself, your wife and your children away from the money of Zakah. As for your paternal or maternal aunt, for example, you are not required to provide them with sustenance. Thus, it is permissible for you to give them out of the money of Zakah what they need to pay for their food, clothes and shelter, but not what makes them indulge in luxury. (Part No. 10; Page No. 66) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.