Is it permissible for an unmarried son in his forties, who is going through psychological and health difficulties and possesses insufficient funds to purchase an apartment, to take from the Zakat al-Mal (charitable alms) that is estimated to be given on behalf of his deceased father, in order to complete the costs of his marriage?

An individual who is unable to afford the expenses of marriage is considered one of the categories eligible to receive zakat. It is permissible for him to take from it to fulfill his needs and get married. There is no objection for the heirs to pay the zakat due on the inheritance to him if he falls into this category. Some scholars also hold the view that it is permissible to give zakat to a poor child if the parent is unable to provide for his expenses.