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Zakat: Article, Calculation, Salafis, Relatives, and more 

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Qibla.com

Answered by Shaykh Abu Usamah

Do you have any article regarding Zakat that specifies the method of calculation, and what is included. Also, can I give Zakat to some relatives on my mother’s side. Their family is earning, however they have a marriage coming up in their household, and will be needing financial assistance. Moreover they are also in debt, although they are working and earning their livelihood. The reason I’m asking this is that I recently read in a book titled ‘Fatawa on Fasting, Zakat & Traweeh’ by Sheikh Mohammad bin Salih Al-Othaimeen and Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (Darussalam Publication) where the authors have said the following regarding one category of zakat recipients: 

The Needy: Those who may have 50% or a little more than what they need but their financial resources do not satisfy their annual needs. Such individuals may be given sufficient amount that makes up the difference for their essential needs. If a person does not have enough to satisfy his needs, and has a job that produces income or any kind of investment that yields an income, then this person will not be qualified to take Zakat. This is based on the Hadith of Allah’s Messenger (SAW): “Zakat, charity must not be given to a wealthy person, or an earning person who is stronf enough to work and earn.”

Based on the above, can I give a portion of Zakat to my mother’s relatives? Also, can I calculate the Zakat amount now, and pay it in 2-3 month’s time, the intention being that this family can utilise these finds for the marriage or in repaying their debts. If I give it to them now, there is a chance that this money might be utilised elsewhere.

Answer:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. See this link http://www.jamiat.org.za/isinfo/zakaat_c.html for a table on Zakah.

2. As for giving Zakah to your mother’s relatives – you can if they are eligible to receive Zakah i.e. If their debts are subtracted from their Zakatable assets it will be less than the Nisab amount. In fact it is superior to give Zakah to one’s needy relatives as this is also a means of maintaining family ties.

3. It is permissible to calculate the Zakah amount now and pay the Zakah at a later time. However caution should be exercised that this does not amount to an excessive delay.

Abu Usamah

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