Dear Sheikh, dear brothers, peace be upon you. After your permission, I have two questions: 1) What are the conditions for the Sayyids to be entitled to Khums? Are there specific conditions for them to receive Khums, knowing that the one requesting Khums has an income but is modest? 2) What is the expiation for a woman who is unable to fast during the holy month of Ramadan due to illness (diabetes) and medical advice against fasting? May Allah have mercy on your parents and accept your deeds and obedience.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):
Regarding the first question:
- Khums is divided in our time - the time of occultation - into two halves: one half for the Imam of the Age, the awaited Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), and the other half for the descendants of Hashim: their orphans, the needy among them, and travelers in need. It is a condition for all these categories to have faith, while justice is not a requirement. Poverty is required for orphans, and for travelers, it suffices to be poor in the land of submission, even if they are wealthy in their homeland, provided they cannot travel due to a loan or similar reasons. It is also obligatory to ensure that their travel is not sinful, and they should not be given more than what is necessary to return to their homeland or to a place where they can obtain the means to return.
- The descendants of Hashim are those who trace their lineage to Hashim, the grandfather of the Prophet (peace be upon him), through the father. If the lineage is through the mother, they are not entitled to Khums but may receive Zakat from non-Hashimis. There is no distinction among Hashimis, whether they are Alawis, Aqilis, Abbasids, or others, although it is preferable to prioritize Alawis, especially Fatimids.
- It is not permissible to give Khums to someone who will spend it on sinful activities. It is also obligatory to ensure that giving it to them does not aid in sin or encourage wrongdoing, even if they do not spend it on sin. Additionally, it is obligatory not to give it to someone who neglects prayer, drinks alcohol, or openly engages in immorality.
- A poor person is one who does not possess the means for a year’s sustenance, either in reality or in potential.
There are other conditions that can be reviewed in the link below.
As for the second question: you can refer to Question 12885.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Khums, Recipients and Distribution + Conditions of Fitrah and Some of Its Rulings
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
Regarding the first question:
- Khums is divided into six shares: one share for Allah, one for the Prophet (peace be upon him), and one for the Imam (peace be upon him). These three shares currently belong to the rightful owner, may our souls be sacrificed for him, and may Allah hasten his reappearance. The other three shares are for orphans, the needy, and travelers who trace their lineage to Abdul Muttalib through the father; if they trace it through the mother, they are not entitled to Khums, but they may receive charity according to the more correct opinion.
- Faith or something equivalent is required for all recipients of Khums. Justice is not a requirement according to the more correct opinion. It is preferable not to give to those who are openly sinful or engage in major sins, and it is strongly discouraged if giving to them aids in sin or wrongdoing. It is preferable to consider the merits of individuals.
- It is stronger to require poverty for orphans, while for travelers - those traveling without sin - it is not required in their homeland. However, need is required in the land of submission, even if they are wealthy in their homeland.
- The poor and the needy; the latter is in a worse condition than the former. They are those who do not possess the means for a year’s sustenance suitable for their condition, neither in reality nor in potential. Those who have a means of earning that supports themselves and their dependents in a manner suitable for their condition are not considered poor or needy.
There are other conditions that can be reviewed in the link below.
As for the second question: you can refer to Question 12885.
Source: Tahrir al-Wasilah, Khums, Its Distribution and Recipients + Zakat, Categories of Recipients and Its Distribution
May you be successful in all good.