What is the ruling on giving charity on behalf of one's mother while she is alive and without her knowledge? Does she receive the reward of the charity while the giver also obtains recompense? And which is better: for the mother to give charity from her own wealth, or for her son to give charity on her behalf?
Giving charity on behalf of one's parents, whether they are alive or deceased, out of filial piety and kindness, allows the reward to reach the person on whose behalf it is given, by Allah's will. Their knowledge is not a prerequisite if they are alive. It is hoped that the one who gives charity will receive a reward similar to that of the one on whose behalf they gave charity. Jurists have stipulated that the reward of charity reaches the deceased, and even the living. However, a person giving charity on their own behalf carries a greater reward than someone else giving charity on their behalf.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/60795