Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Mal to a widowed mother for the purpose of renovating her damaged rented house, knowing that she has a monthly income and many debts, and her son only contributes to her living expenses?
It is permissible for the husband to pay the Zakat from his wealth to his poor mother-in-law for the renovation of her house, provided that the renovation is for an essential need and not for improvement, and that it is commensurate with the condition of the poor person. As for the wife, it is not permissible for her to pay the Zakat from her wealth to her poor mother if her maintenance is obligatory upon her; rather, she must spend on her. Nevertheless, it is permissible for the wife to pay her Zakat to her mother if she is in debt and unable to repay her debt.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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