The stepmother does not hold the same status as the mother in all aspects. While she is similar to the mother in the prohibition of marriage by the sons of the other wife, she does not share the same obligation of financial support. After the father’s death, her financial responsibility lies with her own relatives and not with the deceased’s children from the other wife. Therefore, if she is in need, she can take from the Zakat of her husband’s children.

After all, Allāh knows best.

Fatwa issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr