Question 2308) - Allaah says, "Know that the booty you earn a fifth is for Allaah, the Rasul, his relatives, the orphans, the poor and the travellers." You have omitted the first three. Why is that?

A: According to Ibn 'Abbas RADI. the mention of Allaah at the beginning is for blessings. The share of the Rasul (S.A.W.) dropped upon his death just as Safi*? was dropped. His relatives were entitled during his lifetime because of their assistance to him. After his death they are only entitled by way of poverty. They are more entitled than other poor people. Their wealthy will receive nothing.

* His right to award himself something from the booty e.g. armour, a sword, a slave-girl etc.

~ al-Quduri ~