Q: Is it better to give your zakaat to family members that are eligible? If so, can you please give me some Ahaadith that indicate such?
A: The Quraan Majeed and Mubaarak Ahaadith have commanded us to fulfil the rights which we owe to our relatives. One's relatives have a greater right over him compared to the other believers. Therefore, one's relatives are more worthy of one's assistance.
In surah Baqarah, Allah Ta‘ala says:
They ask you as to what they should spend. Say, "Whatever good you spend should be for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy and the traveler. And whatever good you do, Allah is all-aware of it." (Surah Baqarah, v 215)
In this verse, Allah Ta‘ala has mentioned the relatives before mentioning the other poor believers.
Thus, we understand that one's relatives have a greater right over one compared to the other poor Muslims.
Similarly, in the Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) explained the extra virtue which one will receive through giving sadaqah to one's relatives compared to giving sadaqah to other Muslims. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Sadaqah given to a poor person earns one the reward of one sadaqah, and sadaqah given to a relative earns one double reward; the reward of sadaqah and joining ties.” (Sunan Nasaai #2582)
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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