Supporting one's neice's children with zakaat money

Q:

1. It has been 2 years since my cousin has passed away. She has left 3 children under the age of 8. However, my mother would like to financially support then on a monthly bases. It that permissible?

2. In addition, can zakat money be given to the orphans kids as monthly payments set aside for them?

A:

1. Yes

2. Yes, it should be given to the guardians to be used for their needs.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)