Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am a 24 yr old unmarried girl working and living on my own (paying rent). My question is regarding zakat… can I give zakat to my family/parents (who have some financial difficulty)? if so, then do I have to let them know that the money I am giving them is zakat (since I usually do give them money)? also, can you please let me know how much and what items I must pay zakat on( cash savings, car, clothes, etc).
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate
The giver cannot materially benefit from giving their zakat. As such, one cannot give zakat to one’s parents, children, or spouse, because benefits between these people are shared.
However, zakat can be given to other family members (such as one’s brethren), and relatives (such as uncles, aunts, and cousins, for example).
Wassalam
Faraz Rabbani