What is the ruling on giving Zakah to relatives whose need is equal to that of outside poor persons?

Chapter on Zakat on Sheep

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 3 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the poor relatives are equal in need to other poor persons, the relatives are prioritized. However, if others are more needy, Zakah should be directed to the more needy outsiders, because the purpose is to alleviate extreme need, not merely to enrich relatives while leaving others in dire straits.