Settling one's debts before giving nafl sadaqah

Q: I will be receiving about R50 000 in inheritence. 

I am married with 4 kids but my husband doesn't always provide. I work, and earn a basic salary and most often I am paying for my children's clothes or treats etc. 

I want to give 10% of my inheritance in charity, however I do have debts to pay and most of the time, my money is all finished and I can't buy myself anything. 

Is it better to give out the amount as sadqah or better to pay off my debts and my zakaat which is due and keep the rest as an emergency nest.

A: You should first settle your debts and discharge your zakaat. Thereafter, you may give nafl charity if you wish.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)