Can Zakat be Used to Pay off the Debt of a Parent?

The ruling on using Zakat to settle a parent’s debt varies based on different Islamic schools of thought.

Hanafi Perspective

According to the Hanafi school of thought:

• A person cannot give Zakat to their parents or children, regardless of their financial status.
• If parents are struggling financially, it is the responsibility of their children to support them, provided they are capable of earning.

Other Schools of Thought

In contrast, scholars from the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali (Ibn Taymiyyah's view) traditions permit using Zakat to pay off a parent’s debt under certain conditions:

• The donor must not personally benefit from paying the debt.
• If this condition is met, it is considered permissible.
• Zakat also becomes a form of debt, so it is best to pay it off as soon as possible.

For those seeking meaningful ways to fulfill this obligation, giving your Zakat as a donation for orphanage support can be a noble choice. 

Pakistan Sweet Home stands as a trusted orphanage where your Zakat not only meets religious guidelines but also transforms the lives of children in need.

And Allah knows best!

Other Zakat Questions You May Have

• Can Zakat Be Given to Someone Who Can Work?
• Can Zakat be Used to Build a Water Well?
• Is It Allowed to Pay All My Zakat to a Single Person?
• Can I Divide My Zakat Among Multiple Recipients?
• Can Zakat Be Given in Non-Monetary Forms?