Question:

What do the scholars of religion say with regards to my case? Can I give Zakat money to my father? Since he is in dire need and it is very embarrassing for me and the family, is there a way or scheme that I can use to benefit him with Zakat money?

Answer

It is not permissible to pay Zakat to one’s father, if there is no other alternative to the Zakat money then you may use a heela, a manoeuvre as mentioned earlier. However, one must remember that meeting the needs of poor father and his welfare is the duty of the children. Both a son and a daughter equally are responsible for their parent’s needs. If there is only one child, then that child must take full responsibility for his parents. One should do his utmost to fulfil this noble responsibility rather than use heela, manoeuvres, to use Zakat money for the welfare of their parents.

And Allah ﷻ knows best

Imam Ahmad Rida Khan رحمة الله تعالى عليه

Translation by Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari Translator of Majestic Quran, www.majesticquran.co.uk