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Supporting Relatives

What does the Shariah say regarding supporting male and female relatives?

One is obligated to support one's needy male relatives (i.e. brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, etc.) who are unable to support themselves as a result of an illness or disability, though if they are needy for reasons other than illness or disability supporting them is merely recommended; the proportion of their financial support in relation to one's direct dependents is the same as the proportion of their inheritance in relation to one's direct dependents.

One is also obligated to support one's needy unmarried female relatives (i.e. sister, aunt, cousin, niece, etc.) who are unable to support themselves regardless of the causes of their neediness; the obligation of supporting needy married females returns to the husband. The one supporting the relative is not entitled to claim any portion of the obligatory or non-obligatory maintenance that has already been provided.

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