What is the religious ruling on giving money as charity to save a sick girl from a poor family, knowing that this money is designated for paying a monthly debt, and what are the similar situations during the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, or the Companions?
Thank you for your eagerness to do good and for your altruism, which were characteristics of the Pious Predecessors.
However, settling debts takes precedence over giving charity. It is not permissible for you to give charity in a way that harms your creditors, unless they give their permission.
Indeed, Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah held that the disposal of a debtor, if it harms the creditors, is invalid and unenforceable. Imam Ahmad was asked whether a debtor could give charity, and he replied: "With a small thing, like a loaf of bread, but anything that harms the creditors is not permissible." Ibn 'Uthaymeen was of the view that it is not permissible for a debtor to give charity, even a small amount, as long as he owes more than the money he possesses.
Therefore, we advise you to prioritize repaying your debt first, and then give charity from what remains. The sick person in need of treatment can be helped from funds and the charities of the wealthy.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/125590
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 125590
- 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