Should I Prioritize My Parents’ ‘Umra or Support My Financially Struggling Brother?

Answered by Ustadh Sufyan Qufi

Question

Should I prioritize sending my parents to ‘Umra from my own budget or assist my financially struggling brother and his family?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

I pray this finds you in the best of states.

If your brother is not legally poor (i.e., he is not eligible to receive Zakat) and is able to work, you don’t have to help him financially.

In this situation, you can choose to send your parents to ‘Umra without sin.

But if he is legally poor and he is unable to work (because of a chronic illness) then it is obligatory for you to help me financially to the extent that he has a place to live, he is clothed and he has enough to eat and drink to remain healthy. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

In this situation, it would be sinful to send your parents to ‘Umra before first ensuring that you are providing what is needed for your brother.

The proof of this ruling, even though not obvious to the layman, is found in this verse:

Allah, Most High, says:

“(Divorced) mothers will breastfeed their offspring for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing (of their child). The child’s father will provide reasonable maintenance and clothing for the mother (during that period). No one will be charged with more than they can bear. No mother or father should be made to suffer for their child. The (father’s) heirs are under the same obligation.” [Quran, 2:233]

And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching for ways to learn Islam reliably and was disappointed at the answers he found locally.