Is Giving Zakat to My Mother Allowed in Islam?

In Islam, giving Zakat to your mother is not allowed because of specific guidelines regarding Zakat eligibility.

Zakat is a mandatory charity designed to support those who are financially struggling. It is distributed among the eight categories (Masarif-e-Zakat) mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah: 60). These categories include the poor, needy, debt-ridden individuals, travelers in need, and others.

However, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents are excluded from receiving Zakat. This is because you have a religious and moral obligation to provide for their needs. Islam teaches that caring for one’s parents and children is a personal responsibility, and Zakat cannot replace this duty.

Zakat is meant to purify your wealth and assist others beyond your immediate dependents. Instead of giving Zakat to your mother, you should directly provide her with financial support. This act of kindness brings immense reward and is considered an obligation.

Spending on your family is considered an act of Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in Islam.

Therefore, when you support your mother financially, it is already regarded as Sadaqah. There is no need to give her Zakat, as your duty to care for her fulfills this obligation in a more personal and meaningful way.

And Allah knows best!

Other Zakat Questions You May Have

• Who Can Receive Zakat in Your Family?
• Can Zakat be Given to the Niece?
• Can Couples Combine Money to Pay Zakat?
• Can a Wife Give Zakat on Behalf of Her Husband?
• Is Zakat Permissible for a Divorced Sister?
• Can Zakat be Used to Pay the Debt of a Sibling?