What is the ruling for one who vowed charity for a project, then learned that his family has a debt?

The questioner : May Allah reward you. A sick man said, "If Allah heals me, I will give charity from my wealth for my project such-and-such." After that, he learned that his family has a debt greater than the amount he had set aside. So, does he give to this project, or does he give to his family from the zakah?

The Shaykh : He pays off the debt of his relatives' zakah. Because maintaining family ties is obligatory, and other projects may be recommended. It is known that the obligatory takes precedence over the recommended. So, if one of his relatives is in need of having his debt paid off, he spends what he vowed on them, because maintaining family ties is obligatory, and the charitable project is not obligatory. Yes.