Is it permissible for a widow with three children to receive zakat, given that her money and her children's money are at the disposal of her miserly father, who gives her only a small amount that does not meet her needs, and saves the rest of the money in the bank? Is she considered among the poor who are eligible for zakat despite the existence of her husband's inheritance? And what is the minimum threshold of poverty for which zakat is permissible?

If you have money that you cannot utilize, it is as if it does not exist. Zakat (definition) is permissible for you if you do not find what covers your basic needs and the needs of your children, unless you can take something from your money, even without your father's knowledge. In that case, Zakat is not permissible for you because you would then be considered wealthy, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Zakat is not permissible for the wealthy."

If you can take your right and your children's right from your father, even through litigation, then do so. A father is not allowed to take from his son's money what would harm him. If the son becomes destitute, it becomes obligatory for his father to spend on him. The son is permitted to demand the obligatory maintenance, even through legal means. This is not considered disobedience; rather, the father is the transgressor by his overstepping. Strive to advise your father and warn him gently.