Issue: If we find two people, both of whom are eligible for zakah, one of whom is a relative of the person and the other is a stranger to him, which of the two has the stronger claim?

The Shaykh : And here are some issues. First, if we find two people, both of whom are eligible for zakah, one of whom is a relative of the person and the other is a stranger to him, which of the two has the stronger claim? The relative, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us that charity given to a relative is both charity and maintaining family ties. Good. Suppose you find your maternal uncle and your cousin, both of whom are poor; which one do you give to? The maternal uncle, because he is closer. It is clear. Good. So, any relative for whom financial maintenance is not obligatory has a stronger claim than a stranger. In fact, if you wish, you can say: "Any relative to whom it is permissible for a person to direct his zakah has a stronger claim than a stranger". This is the rule. We ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) to make us and you among those who guide and are guided. And in connection with the discussion of zakah, and in connection with the approaching time for paying zakat al-fitr