Generosity is a core Islamic value, especially in Ramadan. But Islam is also a religion of strict justice and rights. If you owe money to others—whether a friend, a bank, or a family member—giving charity becomes a sensitive legal issue.
The core question is: Can you be generous with money that effectively belongs to someone else? This guide separates the emotion of giving from the legal obligation of repaying.
Scholarly Consensus Overview
Principle: Justice vs Generosity
'Adl (Justice) precedes Ihsan (Kindness)
Repaying a debt is Wajib (Obligatory). It falls under the category of Justice—giving people their due rights. Giving Sadaqah is Mustahabb (Recommended). It is voluntary kindness.
In Islam, you never prioritize a Recommended act over an Obligatory one. You cannot pray Sunnah while the time for Fard is running out. Similarly, you cannot give Sadaqah if your creditor is waiting for their money.
Tool: The Hierarchy of Deeds
The Hierarchy of Deeds
It is not your money.
"The postponement of debt by a rich person is an injustice."
— Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Bukhari)
If you have £1,000 in your hand, but you owe Ahmed £1,000 which is due today, that money is effectively Ahmed's. If you give it to a mosque instead, you are taking Ahmed's money and acting generous with it. This is considered oppression (Zulm).
Tool: Can you give?
Not all debts block charity. Check your scenario below.
Priority Checker
Select your current debt situation to see the ruling.
Tool: Are you eligible to RECEIVE?
Sometimes people trying to give Zakat are actually eligible for Zakat themselves because of debt.
The "Technically Bankrupt" Test
If you meet these criteria, you are likely ELIGIBLE for Zakat, not a payer of it.
Do your total immediate debts exceed your total savings?
Are you struggling to afford basic necessities (food/rent) after debt payments?
If YES: You are a "Gharim" (Debtor). You are one of the 8 categories eligible to RECEIVE Zakat. You should focus on survival, not donation.
The Red Line
Where do scholars draw the line?
- 1Arrears Block Charity:
If you are behind on payments (arrears) for any debt (Rent, Council Tax, friend loan), it is Haram to give voluntary charity. Your sole financial focus must be clearing the arrears.
- 2Zakat vs Debt:
Most scholars say unsecured Immediate Debts (loans, credit cards) are deducted from your assets when calculating Zakat. If subtracting your debts puts you below Nisab, you do not pay Zakat.
Summary & Practical Advice
- Clear Arrears First: If you are late on payments, stop all charity immediately until you are up to date.
- Manageable Debt: If you are paying smoothly, you can give small charity, but large lump sums should go to your debt first (to free yourself).
- Long-term: Mortgage/Student Loan payers are treated as "normal". You can and should give charity as these debts are effectively "fixed costs" like rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
My creditor is my rich friend/brother, surely they don't mind?
Can I give my Zakat to my creditor to clear my debt?
Methodology & Sources
Based on the Fiqh rule that "Release from debt (Bara'ah) prevails over voluntary charity" and the classification of rights (Huquq al-Ibad).
- Imam Al-Sarakhsi (Al-Mabsut): Discussion on the priority of debts over charity.
- Surah At-Tawbah (9:60): The list of Zakat recipients includes "Al-Gharimin" (Those in debt).