Answered by Ustaadha Bint Salih
Question:
Can I give zakat to a woman or widow who is poor but sons are rich and find spend enough on her?
Answer:
Allah states in the Quran, “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is the knower, the Wise.”
(Surah AtTawba: 60)
Before giving zakat to someone, one should ensure that the person who you intend to give zakat to is zakat-worthy. One has to ensure that the person receiving zakah does not have assets to the value of nisab, besides their basic needs.
(MukhtasarulQuduuri p.45)
The nisab of zakaat for gold is 7.5 tolas (87.48 g) and for silver it is 52.5 tolas (612.35 g). Zakaat is also due upon a person who has money upto the amount equivalent to 52.5 tolas (612.35g) of silver.
Zakat can be given to such woman if she is eligible for zakat. If her sons spend on her this will not affect her eligibility as long as she herself does not own the value of nisab.
Only Allah knows best.
Ustaadha Bint Salih.
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham