Can I receive zakaat to pay off my debts and what amount?

Published as Accepting zakaat money to pay off one's debts

· 9 Jumada II 1438 AH1 min readEnglish

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)
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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