Q 2: I give Zakah (obligatory charity) of my trade to my paternal and maternal aunts and to my sisters who live with their husbands and I am not required to spend on them. I regard it as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) and dutifulness to them. I give the rest to other beneficiaries of Zakah, for example, 200 Saudi riyals each. I would like to ask whether this way of giving Zakah is right and whether I can continue with it. Otherwise, please clarify a specific direction to give it all at once or in supporting orphans in Afghanistan. I would like to add that my Zakah does not exceed 10,000 riyals.

A 2: Zakah is paid to the eight categories, i.e. Recipients of Zakah, that Allah (Exalted be He) mentioned in the Qur'an in His Saying: As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise. (Part No. 8; Page No. 363) If your relatives are included in these categories, it is recommended to give it to them as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) and a kind of dutifulness. If they are wealthy, it is not permissible to pay Zakah to them. The same is true for their husbands if they are poor.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.