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Yes, it is permissible for a husband to use his Zakat money to pay off his wife’s debts, even if those debts were incurred before marriage.
However, it is important to clarify that a husband is not obligated to pay off his wife’s debts, and this decision is voluntary. The key point here is that a husband can pay his wife’s debts through Zakat, but he cannot use Zakat to waive his obligation to spend on her maintenance, as that is a separate duty.
Scholarly Consensus on Zakat for Maintenance
Ibn al-Mundhir (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that scholars unanimously agree that a husband cannot give Zakat to his wife.
This is because giving Zakat in such a way would not absolve him from his maintenance obligations towards her. It is prohibited for a man to give his wife Zakat instead of his responsibility to support her financially. The same applies to using Zakat for her maintenance.
Conditions for Giving Zakat to a Wife
Ulaysh (may Allah have mercy on him) also affirmed in Minah al-Jaleel Sharh Mukhtasar Khaleel that a husband may not give Zakat to his wife. However, there are exceptions, such as when the Zakat is given to pay off her debts or to support others. This is allowed according to scholarly consensus.
Paying Off Debts Through Zakat
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) further explained that if a husband uses his Zakat to pay off his wife’s debts, this is acceptable. This is permissible if the wife is unable to pay off the debts herself, as the husband can use his Zakat to fulfill this obligation on her behalf.
The key factor is that the husband is offering charity, in the form of Zakat, to reduce the burden of his wife’s debt, which is permissible.
Thus, using Zakat to clear his wife’s pre-marriage debts is allowed, but the husband must not use it to fulfill his maintenance responsibilities.
And Allah knows best!
WRITTEN BY
Atta-ur-Rehman
Atta-ur-Rehman, a specialist in Fiqh from Fazal-Jamiat-ul-Uloom-ul-Shariah, Jama'at ul-Umar Karachi, is an expert in Islamic jurisprudence. His expertise spans various aspects of Shariah, including Zakat, financial rulings, family laws, and ethical guidance in everyday life. With a deep understanding of Islamic principles, he provides a reliable insights into matters of faith, worship, and personal obligations.
