Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: As salam alaykum,
I know a Muslim family who owns the house where they live. But they have no family income and are living a difficult life. They can not sell their house because that’s the place for them to live.
Can Zakat be given to such a family?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.
If the person is not in possession of the zakatable minimum (nisab) in any form of wealth [known as nisab hirman al-zakat], it would be permitted to give them zakat funds.
Try your best to ascertain what assets the person owns beyond their personal needs, and whether or not this wealth amounts to the nisab. [see: e-nisab.com]
If some members of the family do possess the nisab, consider giving to somebody in the family who doesn’t possess such wealth, and will use it for the benefit of the family.
See also: Zakat: How to Calculate & Whom to Give and:Is Your Zakat Due? – A Reader and Resources on Giving Zakat
And Allah alone knows best.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani