Can I receive zakaat to pay off my debts and what amount?
Published as Accepting zakaat money to pay off one's debts
Question
I used to have a good business that closed down leaving me with R500 000 in debt. I have R200 000 in an investment that gives me R18 000 a year which I use to pay my childrens school fees. I have opened a small business again were I buy everything in cash, this business can only pay for my monthly living expenses. Can I receive zakaat to pay off my debts and what amount?
Answer
Yes.
You may receive zakaat to the extent of the value of your debt.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, please ask a Mufti. Report an issue
For corrections or mistakes, please email us at fatawasa786@gmail.com.
Source: Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen — https://muftionline.co.za/node/19094
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/muftionline-19094
People also ask
Is zakaat payable on savings and cash?
“Yes, it is permissible for you to help her pay her rent with zakaat money. You can either give her the money to pay it herself or you can pay it on her behalf. In this case where you pay it directly on her behalf, you should…”
Mufti Online · 206 fatawa from 6 Darul Iftas on this
What the Darul Iftas sayDo debts reduce zakaat, and is zakaat due on money owed to me?
“If the zakat recipient allows you to pay off his debts without him personally taking possession of the zakat money, it will be valid.”
Ask Imaam · 126 fatawa from 7 Darul Iftas on this
What the Darul Iftas say