Title: Zakat to unwilling but needy relatives

Question: My married sister is poor and they face problem to meet their ends. They are living a compromised life (e.g. lack of proper nutrition, health care etc). If I want to help them with zakah, they will not accept it to protect their honour. I am a private sector employee and mashaAllah making enough money per month. But, as you can understand, private jobs are very insecure, I generally avoid paying any money to others (needy) other than zakah. I have been paying annual zakah in the tune of Rs. 50000 to 60000. This year in-shaAllah I will pay more than Rs 100000 as zakah. Can I pay Rs 50000 to my sister's family without mentioning that I paid from zakah?

Answer ID: 60382Posted on: Sep 1, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 968/968/M=09/1436) If your married sister is poor and eligible for zakah then you may give her zakah. It is not necessary to tell her that it is zakah, just your intention is enough and your zakah shall be paid. However, do not give her such a huge amount at one time which turns her sahib nisab rather give her the zakah money in fractions as per her requirement.