Is voluntary charity (Sadaqat al-Tatavvu') permissible for the relatives who are prohibited from obligatory Zakat?

Chapter on Zakat on Sheep

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 4 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is permissible for the relatives (Dhawu al-Qurba) to receive voluntary charity. Ahmad narrated from Ibn al-Qasim that the prohibition applies only to obligatory charity (Zakat المفروضة), not voluntary charity. This is supported by the Prophet's statement, "All good deeds are charity," and the verse, {But if he does it as a voluntary act, then it is expiation for him} (Quran 5:45), and {And that you give charity is better for you, if you only knew} (Quran 2:280). There is no dispute regarding the permissibility of giving good deeds (Ma'ruf) to the Hashimis, including forgiveness and postponement of debt repayment. The request by the brothers of Yusuf, {And show favor to us} (Quran 12:88), and the statement of Ja'far ibn Muhammad from his father regarding drinking from public water sources, affirming only obligatory charity was forbidden, support this.

Supporting text

Another narration from Ahmad states that they are also prohibited from receiving voluntary charity based on the general prohibition, "Charity is not lawful for us."