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Atta-ur-Rehman

Can Zakat be Used to Pay the Debt of a Sibling?

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Yes, If your brother or sister is burdened by debt and lacks the means to repay it due to insufficient income, you can help him/her with Zakat.

However, this depends on certain conditions that align with Islamic principles.

Shaykh Saad al-Humayd allows Zakat for a brother or sister who is in debt and has insufficient income for basic needs. The person must also be a practicing Muslim who does not use money for purposes that displease Allah.

For instance, if he/she prays, fulfills his/her obligations, and avoids extravagance or sinful activities, then giving him/her Zakat is not only allowed but encouraged.

This ruling is based on the Qur'anic verse in Surah al-Tawbah, where Allah mentions those eligible for Zakat (Masarif-e-Zakat):

“… those in debt (al-ghaarimeen)…”

(Surah al-Tawbah, 9:60)

Under the " al-ghaarimeen, " debt is considered a valid reason for receiving Zakat. This ensures that individuals overwhelmed by financial burdens are supported and can regain stability.

Zakat should not be given for debt from haram means like riba or gambling unless repented. If your brother is genuinely striving to reform and is not using the Zakat for sinful purposes, it can be a means to help him regain stability.

Different Islamic scholars have outlined varying conditions to determine who qualifies as "debt-ridden" and eligible for Zakat. This has resulted in different rulings about who can receive Zakat to pay off their debts.

However, the Islamic system of debt relief through Zakat remains unique and unparalleled across history.

  1. Hanafi school:

Zakat can be used to pay off debts for anyone who cannot repay their debts and whose total wealth is below the Zakat nisab.

  1. Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools:

These scholars categorize debt eligibility into two types:

  • Personal debt: Debt incurred for individual needs or personal reasons.
  • Communal debt: Debt accrued while serving the community or performing duties for the collective benefit of society.

In short, these differences highlight the flexibility and depth of Islamic jurisprudence in addressing individual and communal financial struggles.

Before giving Zakat to your brother, ensure the following:

  • Genuine Need: His income should be insufficient to meet basic living expenses and pay off his debts.
  • Avoidance of Haram Practices: Zakat should not be given if the debt resulted from sinful actions, such as gambling or riba unless he has sincerely repented.
  • Intention to Reform: Ensure he is genuinely striving to improve his life and fulfill his obligations.

By fulfilling these conditions, Zakat becomes a tool to reduce debt while upholding Islamic principles of compassion and responsibility. Helping a sibling strengthens bonds, promotes justice, and fulfills Zakat's purpose of purifying wealth.

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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.