Shar‘i Ruling on Giving Zakāh to a Person in Interest-Based Debt
❖ Question:
Can Zakāh be given to a person who is burdened with interest-based (rībā) debt?
❖ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
◈ Zakāh cannot be given to someone involved in interest-based debt, as Zakāh is designated for those who are Islamically eligible.
◈ Being entangled in rībā-based transactions is impermissible and sinful, and it is not appropriate to utilize a sacred act of worship like Zakāh for such unlawful purposes.
✔ Such a person should be advised and guided towards repentance and encouraged to exit interest-based dealings.
✔ If someone is experiencing genuine financial hardship through permissible means, then assistance may be offered through other lawful ways,
but Zakāh must not be used for individuals suffering due to ḥarām financial practices.
✔ Zakāh cannot be given to a person burdened by interest-based debt.
✔ Zakāh is a sacred obligation meant for lawful and Shar‘i uses only.
✔ Counsel and alternative aid should be provided, but not from Zakāh funds.
❖ Question:
Can Zakāh be given to a person who is burdened with interest-based (rībā) debt?
❖ Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
① Ruling on Giving Zakāh in This Case
◈ Zakāh cannot be given to someone involved in interest-based debt, as Zakāh is designated for those who are Islamically eligible.
◈ Being entangled in rībā-based transactions is impermissible and sinful, and it is not appropriate to utilize a sacred act of worship like Zakāh for such unlawful purposes.
② Alternative Solutions
✔ Such a person should be advised and guided towards repentance and encouraged to exit interest-based dealings.
✔ If someone is experiencing genuine financial hardship through permissible means, then assistance may be offered through other lawful ways,
but Zakāh must not be used for individuals suffering due to ḥarām financial practices.
❖ Summary:
✔ Zakāh cannot be given to a person burdened by interest-based debt.
✔ Zakāh is a sacred obligation meant for lawful and Shar‘i uses only.
✔ Counsel and alternative aid should be provided, but not from Zakāh funds.
