What is the ruling on a father giving charity to the needy who are not relatives, when his children are in need?

It is permissible for a father to give charity to the needy who are not his relatives, and he will be rewarded for it. However, giving charity to his needy children is more deserving and better if it is a voluntary act of charity, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "I think you should give it to your closest relatives," and his saying: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is both charity and maintaining kinship ties." As for obligatory charity (Zakat), it is not permissible to give it to his children if their maintenance is incumbent upon him.