Is it permissible to give zakat to one's parents? Here is the ruling and explanation

The question of whether zakat can be given to one’s own parents is a common one. In Islam, the ruling on this matter has specific provisions explained by scholars based on the Qur’an, hadith, and principles of jurisprudence. A child who is financially capable is obligated to honour and provide maintenance (nafkah) to their parents if they are in need. Therefore, giving zakat to parents cannot be equated with giving it to other eligible recipients (mustahik). Scholars generally distinguish between obligatory zakat and voluntary charity or assistance to parents. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that zakat on wealth (zakat mal) or zakat fitrah cannot be given to one’s biological father and mother if they are the child’s dependants. The reason is that a child has a duty to provide for parents in need, and this obligation cannot be fulfilled using zakat funds. In Islamic jurisprudence, parents are considered ‘ushul’ (ascendants) whose maintenance is the child’s responsibility if the child is able. Giving zakat to them is feared to nullify the obligation of providing maintenance, which should be met from personal wealth. Zakat cannot be given to parents if they are the child’s dependants, the child is capable of meeting their needs, or the zakat is intended to replace the maintenance obligation. In such conditions, a child is encouraged to help their parents through maintenance, gifts, or voluntary charity from their own wealth, not from zakat funds. Some scholars discuss specific conditions, such as when parents are no longer dependants or other exceptional circumstances that are debated. However, the widely accepted opinion in Indonesia states that zakat should not be given to parents who are dependants. Muslims facing special circumstances are advised to consult a scholar or a trusted zakat institution. If parents face economic hardship, Islam strongly encourages children to help them through maintenance, voluntary charity, gifts, or other forms of assistance from personal wealth. Honouring one’s parents (birrul walidain) is a highly recommended act with a lofty status. Additionally, a child may act as a representative to pay the parents’ own zakat obligation on their behalf if conditions are met and permission is granted. This differs from giving a child’s own zakat to parents as recipients. In conclusion, according to the majority of scholars, zakat cannot be given to one’s biological parents if they are dependants. Instead, a child is encouraged to fulfil their parents’ needs through personal wealth as a form of devotion and responsibility in Islam.