Is it permissible to pay Zakat to the family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt)?

The Ahl al-Bayt are the descendants of Abd al-Muttalib (the family of Ali, the family of Abbas, the family of Ja'far, the family of Aqil, and the family of al-Harith sons of Abd al-Muttalib) and their freed slaves. Zakat (definition) is not permissible for them due to the prohibition mentioned in texts concerning them, such as the Hadith (definition): "Indeed, charity is not befitting for the family of Muhammad; it is merely the impurities of people." It purifies wealth and souls. The reason for this prohibition is that they have other sources of income, such as one-fifth of the war spoils and people's gifts. However, if these sources cease and they are compelled to receive zakat, then it is permissible, rather obligatory, to give it to them, as they have more right to it than others. This is the view of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Shaykh Muhammad al-Uthaymeen.