Ruling on Wife’s Zakat and Parents’ Debt
Question
Assalamualaikum, I am Muhammad Zeeshan Nazir, originally from pakistan but living in Germany. My question is about Zakat. I am married and my wife has gold Jewelry on which Zakat is applicable. My wife moved to Germany after marriage one year ago and she is currently not working. Since she is not earning so I am giving her some pocket money on monthly basis. I dont have enough savings or assets to meet the Nisaab of Zakat. I have monthly expenses and also some personal loans close to my income so she is suggesting that whatever monthly pocket money I give to her I can directly give as zakat on her behalf. Is it valid for me to pay off zakat on her behalf in 12 installments (monthly) using her pocket money? Secondly, my parents have debt from my reletives for past 5 years. Can i use this zakat money to pay off their debt? or I am obliged to spend zakat money outside? I am currently supporting my parents financially and they dont have enough income to clear their debt and I also have less means to manage both zakat and debt in parrallel. Please guide me on this.JazakAllah!
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekumusslam,
(1) If the wife owns gold that reaches the Nisab, Zakat is obligatory on her, not on the husband. However, with her permission, the husband may pay her Zakat on her behalf. The monthly pocket money given by the husband becomes the wife’s property, and if she agrees that this money be used for her Zakat, it is valid. After Zakat becomes due, paying it in monthly installments is also permissible.
Reference :
الزكاة تجب على مالك المال
Translation :
Zakat is obligatory on the owner of the wealth.
لا بأس بتفريق الزكاة بعد وجوبها
Translation :
There is no harm in paying Zakat in parts after it becomes due.
(2) Parents cannot be given Zakat directly. However, if the parents are in debt and unable to repay, Zakat may be given to their creditors to clear the debt. This is permissible.
Reference :
لا يجوز دفع الزكاة إلى الأصول
Translation :
It is not permissible to give Zakat to one’s parents (direct ascendants).
يجوز دفع الزكاة إلى الغريم عن المدين
Translation :
It is permissible to give Zakat to a creditor on behalf of a debtor.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
February 09, 2026
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