Using Zakaat for a child’s operation

Q. A child was born with a hole in the heart and has to undergo an operation. The mother doesn’t have an income. The father has an income but cannot cover the expenses of the operation. Can Zakaat be used to pay for the expenses of the operation?

A. In terms of Zakaat eligibility, a child (non-Baaligh) falls under the ruling of the father. Hence, if the father possesses the Zakaat threshold after deducting current debts and liabilities, Zakaat cannot be used for the expenses of the child’ operation. Zakaat can only be for the expenses of the child’s operation if the father does not possess the Zakaat threshold.

Alternatively, Zakaat may be given to the mother if she does not possess the Zakaat threshold for the expenses of the child’s operation. (Badaai 2/47)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com