writer
Atta-ur-Rehman

Can Parents Use Zakat to Pay Off Their Child's Student Loan?

8 min read

zakat-banner

No, parents are not obligated to use their Zakat to assist their children in paying off student loans.

In Islam, the responsibility for a person’s debt lies with that individual once they reach maturity. If the child is an adult and capable of managing their finances, they are responsible for their debts, and the parents are not required to step in.

However, if parents choose to help their child pay off a loan out of their goodwill, this is permissible. The parents may support their child financially, but it should not be done using Zakat funds, as Zakat has specific guidelines for distribution.

Zakat is an obligatory act of charity that is meant to help those who are in need, particularly the poor, orphans, and the needy, among others who are eligible. It is not permissible for parents to give Zakat to their children, as children are already considered to be a parent's responsibility.

Supporting their children financially, especially in matters like paying off loans, is viewed as a parental duty. This support should come from personal wealth, not Zakat.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that taking loans that involve interest (riba) is not permissible in Islam. Financial transactions that include interest are prohibited in Islam, as they exploit the borrower and create inequality.

Therefore, any type of loan that involves interest, including student loans or any other loan, is not valid in Islamic teachings. Parents can voluntarily help their children financially, including assisting with student loans, if they choose to do so.

However, parents should not use Zakat for this purpose. Zakat is designated for individuals outside of one’s immediate family and is meant to help those who meet the specific criteria outlined in Islamic teachings.

And Allah knows best!

writer

WRITTEN BY

Atta-ur-Rehman

Atta-ur-Rehman, a specialist in Fiqh from Fazal-Jamiat-ul-Uloom-ul-Shariah, Jama'at ul-Umar Karachi, is an expert in Islamic jurisprudence. His expertise spans various aspects of Shariah, including Zakat, financial rulings, family laws, and ethical guidance in everyday life. With a deep understanding of Islamic principles, he provides a reliable insights into matters of faith, worship, and personal obligations.