Q: Can a child receive Zakah when it is known that the parents are irresponsible in how they handle money? For at least food?

A: A minor is eligible to receive Zakat provided they meet the criteria of need. While it is often recommended to give the funds to the parents due to a child’s general immaturity, a child who demonstrates responsibility and understands the value of money may receive the funds directly.

In cases where the father does not own the Nisab (the minimum wealth threshold), the child is eligible to receive Zakat from anyone other than their direct ancestors, such as parents or grandparents.

For a ten-year-old minor, there are two primary ways to handle the distribution:

DirIf the child is mature enough to manage the money responsibly, some scholars permit giving the Zakat directly to them.

If the child is not yet capable of managing the funds, the Zakat should be entrusted to a reliable guardian to be spent specifically on the child’s essential needs, such as education, food, and clothing.

If the case is dire neglect, the child can receive it directly, more if there is neglect with regards to food, shelter and clothing and education.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.