Giving Zakat for a new convert to Islam

18-11-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

I need a query regarding Zakaat. I am married lady and I have about 50 Tola gold and one thousand pounds cash in my bank. I want to know that in Pakistan there is a young lady who was converted to Islaam from Hinduism and she was living with us and now with my mother-in-law because I am shifted to England she was converted before 1 year and she has no parents so she is with our family. We spend money for her expenses (like food, clothes, etc. that's because of Allaah) I want to know that last time when I paid my Zakaat I gave that money to my mother-in-law and said that this is the money of Zakaat. My mother-in-law keeps all money for that girl which is converted and living with my mother-in-law now.
My question is that is it good for us to keep all money of Zakaat to that girl because she is only 16-years-old and after 2-3 years we will think about her marriage. Then this money will be good for her dowry? Or we can't give Zakaat to that girl because we already afford the expenses of that girl. Please guide me in this matter.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

If this woman is among the people who are eligible for Zakat and who are mentioned in Fataawa 88368 and 86546, then it is permissible to give the Zakat to her and we ask Allaah to reward you about this.

As regards how to pay the Zakat on gold, please refer to Fatwa 81355.

Allaah Knows best.