Giving zakaat to one's son in law after one's zakaat date
Q: Can I give zakaat money to my son in law who wants to study... I give my zakaat every year in Ramadhaan and he will only start studying around June... Is it ok for me to keep the amount aside up until June? Is it ok that I do not disclose to him that it is Zakaat money? He does work and earns a low salary which goes into necessities and he does not have the nisaab amount.
A: The principle in regard to zakaat is that one will calculate one's zakaat on his zakaat date and thereafter begin to discharge the zakaat by giving it to the poor. Before the following year's zakaat date, it is compulsory upon one to discharge all the zakaat of the previous year. If any amount of the zakaat is outstanding and the following year's zakaat date comes one will be sinful. Hence, in the situation in question, if your son in law is eligible for zakaat then you may assist him with zakaat. You don't have to inform him that it is zakaat. You can tell him it is a gift. However, you should ensure that you give him the money before the following year's zakaat date comes.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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