❀ Question:
I have 2,500 rupees that were given to a needy woman specifically for paying her gas bills for two months. However, she now says that she is in urgent need of this money to pay her committee installment and cover other essentials. May I give her this money to fulfill her immediate needs, and she will arrange for the bill payment later?
❀ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir حفظه الله
Helping a needy and impoverished person is highly encouraged in the Sharīʿah, and those experiencing financial hardship are among the eligible recipients of zakāh.
If the woman’s situation shows genuine distress and she currently needs the funds for more pressing matters such as paying the committee or fulfilling basic needs, then it is better to give her the money.
✿ Sharʿi Perspective:
In the Qur’an, the word “لِلْفُقَرَاءِ“ indicates ownership (lam of possession).
This means that once a needy person receives zakāh or financial aid, they become the owner of that amount and may spend it as per their needs.
Even so, it is recommended (mustaḥabb) to provide her with advice and guidance, so she may better manage her financial responsibilities in the future.
✔ Conclusion:
① If the woman is genuinely needy, it is permissible to give her the money for her current urgent needs — even if that differs from the originally intended purpose.
② Whether she pays the committee or fulfills other necessities, the act remains valid.
③ We pray that Allah ﷻ opens other avenues for her to manage her gas bill payment in due time.
