Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr to a widow who is being supported by someone else? Please provide the criteria to determine if she is eligible to receive it or not.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):
It is necessary to ensure that the payment is made to a poor or needy person. Both are defined as those who do not possess the means to support themselves and their dependents for a year in a manner appropriate to their situation. The second category is in a worse condition than the first, such as someone who does not have their daily sustenance. In contrast, a wealthy person is someone who possesses the means to support themselves and their dependents, either currently (in cash or kind) or potentially (through a trade or profession that provides for their needs). If someone is capable of earning but neglects to do so out of laziness, they are not permitted to take Zakat; however, if the time for earning has passed, they may take it.
Therefore, if she does not have enough money to cover her expenses for a full year, or if she does not have a job that provides her with a monthly income sufficient for her needs, she is considered poor and may receive Zakat al-Fitr, even if someone is donating some or all of her expenses.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Categories of Recipients + Distribution of Zakat al-Fitr
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):
It is permissible to give to the poor and needy; the latter being in a worse condition than the former. They are those who do not possess the means to support themselves and their dependents, neither currently nor potentially. Those who have a means of earning that adequately supports themselves and their dependents in a manner appropriate to their situation are not considered poor or needy, and Zakat is not permissible for them. Likewise, a craftsman or farmer who can support themselves through their trade is not eligible. If someone is capable of earning but does not do so out of laziness, it is advisable to avoid giving them Zakat, although the prohibition is not without strength.
Thus, if she does not have enough money to cover her expenses for a full year, or if she does not have a job that provides her with a monthly income sufficient for her needs, she is considered poor and may receive Zakat al-Fitr, even if someone is donating some or all of her expenses.
Source: Tahrir al-Wasilah, Zakat, Categories of Recipients and Distribution
May you be successful in all good.