To give Zakah to one’s relatives

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Q: Thanks to Allah, I am affluent and Zakah (obligatory charity) is due on my wealth. The husband of my sister has a limited income and needs help. Thus, I give him the Zakah due on me since he is my closest relative and relatives are much more entitled to share in one's blessings. Is it permissible for me to give him my Zakah?

A: Allah (Exalted be He) explained the channels of Zakah in His statement: 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. Accordingly, if your sister's husband is poor and his income does not cover his expenditures on himself, his wife and all those on whom he is responsible to spend; or if he falls under one of the other categories mentioned in the Ayah, then give him out of the Zakah due on your wealth which fulfills his needs.May Allah grant us success. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and companions!