Issue: A man has a poor father; should he give him from his zakah?
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The Shaykh : A man has a poor father; should he give him from his zakah?
The student: No.
The Shaykh : There is no god but Allah. Why?
The student: ...
The Shaykh : We look at the situation: if the son is obligated to provide for his father, he does not give him from his zakah for the purpose of providing for him. Because if he gave him from his zakah for the purpose of providing for him, and his provision is obligatory upon him, that would amount to protecting his wealth. Zakah does not protect wealth, nor does it discharge an obligation. Therefore, we say to this man: it is not permissible for you to give your father from your zakah. However, provide for him from your lawful wealth. If he refuses, we compel him; we compel him to provide for him.
The student: No.
The Shaykh : There is no god but Allah. Why?
The student: ...
The Shaykh : We look at the situation: if the son is obligated to provide for his father, he does not give him from his zakah for the purpose of providing for him. Because if he gave him from his zakah for the purpose of providing for him, and his provision is obligatory upon him, that would amount to protecting his wealth. Zakah does not protect wealth, nor does it discharge an obligation. Therefore, we say to this man: it is not permissible for you to give your father from your zakah. However, provide for him from your lawful wealth. If he refuses, we compel him; we compel him to provide for him.