Can a person give charity if they are in debt?

Paying off debts is an obligation that takes precedence over voluntary charity. Some jurists have even prohibited charity from someone who is in debt. Al-Bukhari titled a chapter, "Chapter: No charity except from a surplus of wealth. And whoever gives charity while in need, or his family is in need, or he is in debt, then the debt is more deserving of being paid than charity, manumission, and gifts. This is a refutation against him; he does not have the right to squander people's wealth." Al-Shirbini holds that it is recommended for someone in debt not to give charity until he pays it off, and the sounder opinion is the prohibition of his giving charity with what he needs for a debt for which he has no hope of repayment. Debt must be paid immediately upon demand, and therefore, it is forbidden to give charity with what is due for its payment. Paying off debt takes precedence over charity due to its obligatory nature.