Q: 142 – Title: Can I use Zakat and Interest money to build a boundary wall around the house in which my sister and brother are living?

Question

My parents have passed away several years ago. My father had a house that is not surrounded by boundary wall. We are 5 sisters and one brother. My brother (36 years old) is unemployed and depends on sisters for his livelihood. Now my brother and one of my sister are living in that house. As there is no boundary wall, the house is open for stranger people that is very unlawful in the viewpoint of women’s purda.  But they have no money to construct the boundary wall. I have some money in the bank and zakat is also fardz for me. May I use the zakat money and interest money raising from bank for the construction the boundary wall?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.

May Allah reward you for wanting to help your siblings and constructing a boundary wall for them. Ameen.

You may give Zakat money to your sister and/or brother if they are not Sahib Nisaab.

A Sahib Nisaab is one whose surplus wealth equals 612.35 grams of silver, its equivalent in cash, funds, or anything made of gold or silver (i.e. jewelry, ornaments, utensils, etc.) which has been in their possession for a year or more.

They also cannot be from amongst the descendants of Bani-Hashim, the clan of Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam). If they are descended from Bani-Hashim, then you should assist them through your regular savings or wealth.

You can also have the boundary wall built on their behalf with the Zakat money. However, this must be accompanied by an unconditional and real transfer of ownership of the boundary wall to the recipient of the Zakat. They should then be entitled to use it or dispose of it as they wish.

It is forbidden, impermissible and a great sin to earn interest. You should transfer your account as soon as possible to a non-interest bearing account at your bank.

As for the interest money that you have already accumulated, you may give it to one or both of your siblings if they are eligible to receive Zakat without the  intention of seeking reward.

And Allah knows best.

Ml. Sohail Bengali
Chicago, IL (USA)

Concurred by:

Mufti Abrar Mirza
Chicago, IL (USA)

Under the Supervision of Mufti Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)