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Fatwa CenterA more needy non relative is worthier of charity than a less needy relative
Question
I want to support an orphan and I have relatives who are orphans too but their financial condition is better than this one. There are others who are in dire need of support. Who is more deserving of my support?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.
In principle, giving charity to needy relatives involves great good as it combines both charity and maintaining ties of kinship. However, if there is a non-relative who is in more need than a relative, he should take precedence in receiving charity.
Ibn Qudaamah 
said in Al-Mughni: "It is recommended that one should give priority to closer relatives than those who are less close, but the more needy among them should be given priority over a closer one who is less needy. If there is a non-relative who is in more need, then he should give charity to him. Ahmad said: "If his relatives are needy, he should give charity to them. If others who are non-relatives are in more need, he should give them charity."
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