Can someone Donate Zakat Ahead of Ramadan?

Its a very important question can anyone donate zakat ahead of Ramadan? As previously mentioned, Zakat may be paid at any time of the year. These times include prior to, during, or subsequent to Ramadan. Lots of Muslims decide to donate their Zakat during Ramadan as this is when they’re able to reap the most rewards. As well as this, Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) will need to be paid during Ramadan by all adults with food in excess of their needs.

Can Zakat go Towards Building a Mosque?

Allah (SWT) permits Zakat to be spent in eight separate ways, including:

• The wayfarer – those who are travelling and/or stranded with limited supplies
• For the cause of Allah
• Those in debt
• Those in bondage – such as captives and slaves
• New Muslims and friends of the Islamic community
• Zakat administrators – such as charities
• The needy (al-masakin) – someone in hardship
• The poor (al-fuqara) – someone with little to no income

As you can see, Mosques aren’t included with the above list, meaning that Zakat can’t be used to build a Mosque.

Can Zakat be Donated for Education?

Educational institutions like schools aren’t eligible for receiving Zakat as Zakat payments are intended to provide someone who has nothing with something. However, if the students are eligible for Zakat, it would be possible to donate to them.

Can You Pay Zakat on Someone Else’s Behalf?

There are instances in which one can pay Zakat on behalf of someone else. For example, a husband may pay Zakat on his wife’s behalf; however, she must be made aware of the circumstances and authorise the donation.

Can a Son Receive Zakat from His Mother?

A son wouldn’t’ be eligible to receive Zakat from his mother as it’s not permissible for someone to make a charitable donation towards their dependents. Dependents such as children don’t have the financial means of supporting themselves, meaning parents are obliged to do so. Other relatives who aren’t obliged to provide for said children may donate their Zakat to them.

Can my Husband/Wife Receive my Zakat?

If a husband falls under one of the eligibility categories regarding Zakat, his wife may donate her Zakat to him. Despite this, a husband isn’t permitted to donate his Zakat to his wife as he’s already required to financially support her.

Can my Uncle or Aunt Receive my Zakat?

Uncles or aunts who fall under one of the eight categories may receive Zakat donations. This is because nephews and nieces aren’t automatically obliged to support their uncles and aunts. For this reason, aunts and uncles may also donate their Zakat to eligible nephews and nieces.

Can Our Parents Receive Our Zakat?

Like parents aren’t allowed to donate their Zakat to their children, the same applies to children and their parents. As children enter adulthood, they’re obligated to support their parents in a repayment of the care that they received in youth.

Can Brothers or Sisters Receive Our Zakat?

There is no set rule that siblings must care for one another, meaning Zakat can be donated to any qualifying sisters or brothers.

Can someone donate Zakat of a Syed?

Syed cannot receive Zakat according to Quran. The Qur’an dictates that descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can’t receive Zakat or any other charitable donations. This still applies, even if they’re considered poor. Anyone named Syed should receive aid from their Muslim Brothers and Sisters should they find themselves in difficulty. As long as this isn’t regarded as an act of charity, the aid is permitted. For Syed rules are quite obvious for receiving of Zakat.