Is the reward for a gift equal to the reward for charity, and does the reward for a gift to the Family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt) differ from the reward for charity to others?

The obligatory charity (Zakat) is not permissible for the Prophet, peace be upon him, nor for his family, because it is a purification for people and their wealth. However, gifts and donations are permissible for the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet), as is voluntary charity according to the majority of scholars. Both are acts of worship and drawing closer to Allah Almighty. Their superiority depends on the context, the condition of the giver and the recipient, and their need, for a single dirham may precede a hundred thousand dirhams. Obligatory charity is considered better than voluntary charity and greater in reward. If the Ahl al-Bayt are in dire need, then a gift to them is better than charity or a gift to others.