Is it permissible for a father to donate money while he is in debt, and likewise his children are in debt?
A Muslim must first pay off their outstanding debts because these are the rights of people, and they are of greater importance than charity (). This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Everything of the martyr is forgiven except debt," and because debt repayment takes precedence over supererogatory acts like Hajj and charity.
As for charity, it is accepted if the conditions for acceptance are met, such as sincerity and lawful wealth. However, a debtor should not give charity if the debt consumes their entire wealth.
Regarding the repayment of children's debts: if their debts are for their basic needs (food, housing, clothing), then the father is obliged to pay them. Otherwise, he is not obligated, but paying them off is better than giving charity to a stranger, as it combines the reward of charity with maintaining kinship ties.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 14015
- 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