Can I give zakat to my parents or siblings?
Not to your parents, but often yes to your siblings. You can't give zakat to your parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren, because you're already responsible for supporting them. But brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws who are eligible can receive your zakat, and you get a double reward for it.
Who you can't give zakat to
- Parents and grandparents (your "roots").
- Children and grandchildren (your "branches").
- Your wife, if you're a husband.
The reason: you're expected to support them from your own money if they're in need. Giving them zakat would mean your zakat ends up benefiting you. Support them with regular money instead, as part of honoring your family.
Who you can give it to
Other relatives can receive your zakat if they qualify, for example a struggling brother, a widowed aunt or a cousin in debt. Many scholars say they're the best place for it. The Quran puts relatives near the top of the list when it talks about giving:
This verse is about general spending, which is why parents are included, while zakat specifically excludes them.
A double reward
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that charity to a needy person is charity, while charity to a relative is two things: charity and maintaining family ties (Jami at-Tirmidhi 658). A wife can also give zakat to her husband according to many scholars. See Can a wife give zakat to her husband?
Non-Muslim relatives
Many converts have non-Muslim families. Most scholars say zakat goes to Muslims, so it isn't for non-Muslim relatives. But you can and should help them with sadaqah and your own money. Supporting non-Muslim parents in need is part of being a good child. See Can I give zakat to non-Muslims?
- No zakat to parents, grandparents or children.
- Siblings and other relatives can receive it if eligible.
- Charity to relatives earns a double reward.
- Help non-Muslim family with sadaqah.
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