Q: My sister is very poor but recently my father died and she inherited 10 lacs which was deposited in her’s and her father in laws joint account which she receives a profit but this profit is not sufficient for her growing children. Can I give her zakat?
A: The money she receives through keeping the money in the bank is riba (interest). Interest is forbidden and haraam. Grave warnings have been sounded in the mubaarak Ahaadith for the one who has any involvement in the evil sin of riba. Hence, it is haraam for her to benefit from this money. She should spend from the 10 lacs which she has inherited. It is not permissible for you to give her your zakaat as she is not eligible for zakaat.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)