Is it permissible to keep a portion of zakat funds allocated for a distant relative who is in dire financial straits, given that it is currently impossible to deliver it to him, and to await potential contact with him, which may be prolonged?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
must be given out immediately, and it is not permissible to delay it when one is able to, because it is a right of the poor. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, unless the delay is slight in order to give it to someone who is more deserving, such as a relative or someone in dire need. However, if the delay is significant, it is not permissible. Therefore, it is necessary to hasten in delivering it to the aforementioned relative or their representative.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/71343
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 71343
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy