Brother May Give Zakat to Needy Sister, Says Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta Official

A brother may give zakat from his wealth to his sister if she is in need, according to Dr Ahmed Wissam, a fatwa secretary at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta.

Wissam explained that the family relationship does not prevent a sister from receiving her brother’s zakat when she qualifies for the support.

He drew a distinction between that case and a mother giving zakat directly to her daughter, saying the mother should not direct the payment to her daughter herself.

A mother can, however, help her daughter’s household by giving zakat to her daughter’s husband if he is poor, Wissam said. His guidance distinguishes between a direct payment to the daughter and support for an eligible son-in-law.