Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Mal (charity on wealth) and Zakat al-Fitr (charity of breaking the fast) to needy relatives, even if there are others who are poorer than them? And what is better as an ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah): contributing to the building of a mosque or a school, or establishing a small business project for a family whose father is an orphan?

It is permissible to give zakat to poor relatives whose financial support is not obligatory on you, and this is better because it combines charity and maintaining kinship ties, unless the distant poor are in greater need. As for building mosques and Islamic schools and sponsoring orphans, these are all great acts of obedience, and the best among them is that which is most needed and serves the public interest. Priority is given to the area suffering from severe deficiency or urgent need.