Paying Sadaqah to relatives

Q 6: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: Sadaqah (voluntary charity) given to the needy is Sadaqah, (Part No. 10; Page No. 80) but when given to Dhul-Rahim it is two things … what is meant by Dhul-Rahim (relatives), who the Messenger (peace be upon him) has urged us to give Sadaqah to? Does the term refer to Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) females and also male relatives? If it is permissible to give relatives Sadaqah, is it permissible to give it to them if they are rich or have the same standard of living as those who are giving them Sadaqah? If our relatives have a better standard of living than us or are wealthy, is it sufficient to maintain the ties of kinship with them through visits?

A: Firstly, the full text of the Hadith related by Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y, and Al-Hakim, reads: Sadaqah given to the needy is Sadaqah, but when given to Dhul-Rahim it is two things: Sadaqah and maintaining the ties of kinship. The Hadith was reported on the authority of Salman ibn `Amir Al-Dabby. Secondly, Dhul-Rahim refers to poor relatives, whether they are men or women. As for wealthy relatives, you can maintain the ties of kinship with them through gifts, visits, meeting them cheerfully, and offering them advice.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.