Question:

Assalamualaikum,

my company invested some amount to my 401k plan without my knowledge and consent to some Haram stocks, now those stock prices have increased and I have some earnings.

so now my question is can I give that money to my cousin’s or relatives who are really desperate but they are not zakat eligible.

Please advise.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

You may only give Haram money to those who are deserving of Zakah.

In principle, any Muslim that does not own wealth or property to the value of Nisab (which is $5,155 as of 12-3-20), in excess of his/her basic needs (which includes personal house, cars, and clothing), is eligible to receive zakat.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

(Mufti) Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman