To whom should one pay zakat and usurious interest: to a paternal aunt who is an orphan of both parents, lives in Algeria, has a medium income, and borrows at the end of the month; or to a married and pregnant sister who does not work, whose husband has a meager income, and who has savings sufficient for five months' rent and lives in France? And is it necessary to inform the recipient that it is zakat?
If the maternal aunt or sister are in need and do not find enough to cover their essential life necessities, then they are eligible recipients of zakat. A distinction can be made between them regarding zakat and interest-based benefits. The one in greater need should be given precedence. It is not obligatory to inform the recipient of zakat that what is given is zakat.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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