Q:
1. Can zakaat be given to a person who has debts?
2. There are people who live a better standard of living than me. They have better cars, better clothes, go on holidays, better household items, etc. than me but they have debts due to which they are below the nisab threshold. Can I give my zakaat to them?
A:
1. If his debts are more than his assets, then he is eligible for zakaat. Such a person can be assisted with zakaat.
2. As above.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)