Giving sadaqah to one's domestic worker or an Islamic organization

Q: Is it more preferable for me to give sadaqah (old items) to my domestic worker who is a non-Muslim or to a reputable Islamic organization which donates to Muslims?

A: It is permissible to give sadaqah to both poor Muslims and poor non-Muslims. However, giving sadaqah to poor Muslims is better and more rewarding than giving to poor non-Muslims. 

Nevertheless, if your worker is poor and in need, then since he is in your employment and is under you, Islam teaches that we should be concerned about our workers and those in our employment. 

Therefore, you should assist your worker. Perhaps this kindness that you show to him will be a form of dawat - invitation towards Islam. 

Similarly, you may also give some of the wealth that you have to the reliable Muslim organization to help the needy Muslims.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)