Is it permissible to pay for a sister's son's tuition fees from Zakat funds if his father has limited income?

Scholars have differed on the issue of giving zakat to a student of knowledge, with some permitting it, others prohibiting it, and some offering detailed explanations. The Shafi'is permit giving zakat to a student of Islamic knowledge if he is unable to earn a suitable living due to his preoccupation with acquiring knowledge, provided that the knowledge is a communal obligation (fard kifaya) and that he is capable of achieving it.

Based on this, the following conditions are stipulated for giving zakat to one's sister's son: 1. That his study is in the Islamic sciences, or in worldly sciences that are considered communal obligations (fard kifayat) and benefit Muslims. 2. That he is capable of achievement and shows promise of excellence in his studies. 3. That he is unable to combine studying with earning money, such that if he were to engage in earning, he would be cut off from his studies.

If these conditions are met, it is permissible to give him zakat. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and it is both charity and a strong tie of kinship when given to a relative."