May One Give Zakat To A Poor Sibling?

May one give zakat to a poor sibling?

One may give zakat to a poor sibling. Nephews and nieces, both maternal and paternal uncles and aunts, and children of these are the ones to whom one may give zakat to (Marghinani, al-Hidayah, II, 224; Ibn al-Humam, Fath, II, 275; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, III, 172, 293). Furthermore, it is more rewarding to prioritize poor relatives while giving zakat. Because it includes both fulfilling the obligation of zakat and observing the relatives (silat al-rahm). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) encourages it saying, “There are double rewards for the one who gives sadaqah to relatives: One for helping the relatives, and the other for giving zakat.” (Bukhari, Zakat, 44; Ibn Majah, Zakat, 24).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA