
Caring for Dependents (FATWA)
The Question
What do the scholars of the religion say regarding the following:
The individual who gives nothing to his mother and sister despite them being widowed, orphaned, and bearing hardships.
Furthermore, in this situation, if Zayd (aforementioned individual) is ṣāḥib al-niṣāb and offers zakāt and ṣadaqah, will it be accepted or not?
Also, what is the ruling in the respected sharī`ah regarding Zayd?
Explain and be rewarded!
The Answer
If Zayd’s mother has no way to earn a living, then her expenses are farḍ on Zayd. Likewise, not giving to the orphaned sister who has not gotten married nor has any wealth is a means of great sin upon him. It has been stated in a ḥadīth:
كفى بالمرء اثماً أن يضيع من يقوت
It is enough sin for the man to neglect who depends [on him].
As for zakāt, he cannot give it to the mother. He shall give it to the sister and serve the mother on his own [wealth].
Allāh E knows best.
Answered by:
Imām Aḥmad Raḍā Khān V

Shaykh Abdul Samad al-Qadiri
Shaykh Abdul Samad is an orator who captures the attention of his audience and a writer with focus on contemporary issues.