Paying Zakat To Family

Example Question:

Can a mother pay the zakat due from her to her adult children, who are struggling to support themselves? The father of these children is deceased and they are struggling to maintain themselves while studying in the west.

Answer:

Zakat cannot be given to ascendants or descendants. The Zakat will not bedischarged. In such situations, the Baytulmal should be informed. Also, other people who want to pay zakat may be approached to inform of the situation.