Is it permissible to give zakat to an abusive brother, even if he is well-off, in order to alleviate his harm and ward off his evil?

It is not permissible to give zakat to a brother if he is self-sufficient and can provide for himself and his dependents. However, it is permissible to give him zakat if he is one of the eligible recipients, and in that case, it is even better. If he is not an eligible recipient, it is permissible to give him a gift to ward off his harm and to foster love, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Give gifts to one another, and you will love one another."