References & Sources
Evidence used to explain the general principle. These references do not replace personal scholar review.
3 Sources & 0 Scholarly Opinions
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The recipients of zakat are fixed by the Quran rather than left to discretion. Surah At-Tawbah names eight categories: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing those in bondage, those burdened by debt, the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveller. Anyone outside these eight cannot receive zakat, however deserving. The exclusions catch people out more than the inclusions do. You cannot give zakat to your own parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren, because supporting them is already your obligation and you would be discharging one duty with another. A husband cannot give zakat to his wife. You cannot use zakat to build a mosque, cover funeral costs, or pay it to a non-Muslim on the majority view. Siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in need are permitted and are often the most appropriate recipients.
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Educational guidance only, not a fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for your specific case. Page created August 26, 2026.
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Because supporting parents in need is already an independent obligation on you. Giving them zakat would mean discharging a duty you already owe using money you owe as a separate duty - satisfying two obligations with one payment. The same reasoning runs downward to children and grandchildren. You should absolutely support them, and generously; it simply does not count as your zakat.
Yes, if they are genuinely in need, because you are not otherwise obliged to maintain adult siblings. Many scholars consider needy relatives outside the direct line of ascent and descent to be among the best recipients, since the giving carries the reward of both charity and maintaining family ties. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins are all permitted on the same basis.
Not on the majority view. Zakat must reach a person in one of the eight Quranic categories, and most scholars require actual transfer of ownership to that person. A building is not a recipient. Mosque construction, maintenance and similar community projects are excellent uses of sadaqah and other charitable giving, but they do not discharge the zakat obligation.
Evidence used to explain the general principle. These references do not replace personal scholar review.
3 Sources & 0 Scholarly Opinions
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