Zebt to those in debt

In the Name of Allah, with blessings and peace on the Messenger of Allah

Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

Allah Most High tells us about those eligible for zakat in Surat al-Tawba:

9:60 The obligatory charity is for the poor and needy, those who work to collect them, those whose hearts are brought together, the ransoming of slaves, debtors, in God”s way, and the traveller; so God ordains; God is All-knowing, All-wise.

Purely legally, it is valid to give zakat to any Muslim who is in debt (and their debts are greater than their zakatable wealth). However, in terms of propriety, one should only give zakat to those seeking to clear their debts or fulfill other primary needs.

And Allah alone gives success.

Faraz Rabbani