Is it permissible to give Zakat with the intention that it is on behalf of the souls of one's parents?

The permissibility of dedicating the reward of acts of obedience to others varies. Some acts, like charity and manumission, can be dedicated, while others, like faith, cannot. There are also acts about which scholars have differed, such as fasting, Hajj, and Quran recitation. The most authoritative view is that the reward of these acts does reach the recipient.

Scholars have differed regarding a person performing obligatory duties like Zakat and Salah and dedicating their reward to others. Some said it is not permissible for obligatory acts, while others said it is, especially if the doer intends to fulfill the obligation for themselves and secure the reward for their parents. It has been reported that a group of people dedicated the reward of their deeds to all Muslims.

It is not a condition for the reward to reach the recipient that it be dedicated verbally, nor is it a condition for the recipient to be intended at the time of the action according to some scholars. It is also permissible to dedicate a portion of the reward.

The advice is to dedicate the reward of recommended acts of obedience, give charity on their behalf as a supererogatory act, and supplicate for them.