Can a person give Sadaqah while in Debt?
Question
I have started work recently. I have debts from my past years BUT Insha Allah I wish to give sadaqah from my new salary? Is this allowed? Is it a sin for me to give sadaqah whilst I have debts? I do have a plan to catch up on my debts, BUT I want to give sadaqah instead of wasting it elsewhere.
Answer
1) While you have debts on your head which are due immediately, any surplus must be used to pay your debts. In this case, it is not permitted to give money in Sadaqah.
This is because payment of your debt is compulsory while Sadaqah is optional and it is not permitted to neglect one’s obligations in favour of what is optional.
2) If the debt is on terms and the said terms are met, then one may give money in Sadaqah. However, it is preferable to hasten the payment of any debts due.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
- Answered by
- Mufti Moosa Salie
- Checked by
- Mufti Taahir Hansa
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Jamiatul Ulama KZN. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.