Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Why can’t Zakat or any other form of charity be given to Sayyid? If Sayyid is very poor can we be given Zakat?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

Zakat cannot be given to the ‘Aal’ (family) of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam. (Aapke Masaail p.390 v.3)

It is mentioned in a Hadith that Saaiduna Hasan Radiallahu Anhu once took a date from the dates of Sadaqa and placed it in his mouth. At the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said: “Kakh! Kakh! Throw it out! Don’t you know that we do not eat charity?” (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

The reason why the descendants of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam cannot take Zakat can be derived from the following Hadith narrated by Abdul-Muttalib ibn Rabi`ah ibn Al-Harith Radiallahu Anhu who reported that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, Charity (Zakah) is not becoming for the family of Muhammad, as it is people’s impurities. (Sahih Muslim)

In a nutshell, Zakat cannot be given to the family of Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam, however, one should assist them through gifts and voluntary Sadaqah. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah p.255 v.7)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.