A person in debt receiving a lump sum of zakaat money more than his debt

Q: A person is a recipient of Zakaat, as he is in debt of R400 000. His zakaatable assets are minimal. Can he accept Zakaat money (a lump sum) more than the R400 000 of his debt?

A: If he accepts more than the amount of the debt, the zakaat will be discharged. However, if he is able to work and earn wealth, then he should not accept more than the amount of his debt.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)