Topic

Zakat & Charity

Zakat, sadaqah and giving to charity. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

Can I give zakat to my in-laws or stepchildren?

Yes, you can usually give zakat to in-laws or stepchildren who are poor, since you aren't obliged to support them. Here's when it works.

Yes, you can pay zakat with a credit card if you clear the balance in full so no interest is charged. Tips on card fees, cashback and monthly giving.

Zakat is a pillar of Islam because Allah made it a duty, the Prophet listed it among the five, and the Quran pairs it with prayer.

Can zakat be spent on dawah? Classical schools read 'in the cause of Allah' narrowly, while many modern scholars include dawah. A balanced view.

Many scholars say yes, gift card balances count like cash for zakat. Prepaid Visa cards clearly do; expired cards and tiny balances don't matter.

Most scholars say zakat can't pay a funeral directly, since the dead can't own it. Give zakat to the poor family, or use sadaqah instead.

Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum) are a zakat category for new Muslims and people drawn to Islam. Who it covers.

If you checked reasonably, many scholars say zakat to someone not eligible still counts. Others say recover it or pay again to be safe.

The zakat on found treasure (rikaz) is one fifth, paid right away. Lost wallets and phones aren't treasure: they must go back to their owner.

Ongoing charity that keeps earning reward after you die, like a well, a school or useful knowledge. Here are easy ways to start.

A waqf is an endowment: you give an asset for good forever, and its income funds charity. Umar's land in Khaybar was the model.

Yes. Kindness to animals is rewarded in Islam, and the Prophet praised a man who gave water to a thirsty dog. Not as zakat, though.