Table Of Contents
Categories of Spending on Relatives in Islam
Spending on one's relatives may be divided into two categories:
- The first category is that which is called `Amuday An-Nasab (lit. the two pillars of lineage) i.e. the direct line of ascent and descent, no matter how far they reach. [This means parents, grandparents, great-grandparents etc., in the line of ascent, and children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc., in the line of descent - Translator].
- The second category is all other relatives apart from those in the direct line of ascent or descent. In cases where spending on them is obligatory, in addition to the two conditions mentioned above, there is a third condition: which is that the one who spends money should be a legal heir (according to shareeahShari`ah) of the person on whom he is spending, i.e. he can inherit from him. On this basis, if your father and paternal uncles are able to spend, then it is their duty to spend on your grandmother and paternal aunts.
Conditions for Obligatory Spending on Direct Relatives
Spending on them is obligatory when the following two conditions apply:
- That the one on whom money is spent is poor and does not have anything or does not have enough, and is not able to earn a living.
- That the one who is spending money can afford it and has enough, more than what he and his spouse need for their own sustenance.
- There is also a third condition: that both parties should share the same religion (i.e., they should both be Muslims, for example).
The Virtue of Charity to Relatives
Do not forget the matter of kind treatment, for charity given to relatives is both charity and an upholding of kinship ties , and so it will bring two rewards. Do not forget what Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{…and whatsoever you spend (for the same of Allah) He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.} [Saba’ 34:39]
Spending on ones relatives, especially one's mother , is one of the greatest means by virtue of which Allah will send more provision and blessings, alongside the great reward which is with Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.
Encouraging Family Members to Spend Generously
So you should be happy that your father is spending on his mother and sisters, and you should encourage him to do that and compete with your uncles in doing this good deed.
How Much Should Be Spent on Relatives?
As for the amount of money to be spent, this is determined by the ability of the person who is spending and the needs of the people on whom he is spending. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend. Say: whatever you spend of good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and Al-Masakin (the poor) and wayfarers, and whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allah knows it well.} [Al-Baqarah 2:215]
For more details, please refer to the following answers: 22063, 111811, 104166, 20278
And Allah knows best.
