Does Zakat become waived for a divorced, unemployed mother who possesses an amount reaching the Nisab for Zakat, yet is in dire need of money? Is it permissible to distribute Zakat in installments throughout the year? Is it permissible for her to give Zakat to her needy mother and sisters? Is it permissible to pay a portion of the Zakat and be exempted from the rest? Is it permissible for her to spend on her student son from her Zakat money?

Zakat is obligatory upon your mother if the money reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and a hawl (full lunar year) passes over it. It is not permissible to count what you give to your mother, or to ascendants (e.g., grandparents) or descendants (e.g., children, grandchildren), as Zakat. However, it is permissible to count what you give to your sister as Zakat, if she is among the eligible recipients of Zakat and the intention is for it to be Zakat. Her being in need does not exempt her from Zakat as long as she possesses the nisab and a hawl has passed over it. It is advisable to invest the money.