Is it permissible for a woman to give her Zakat al-Mal to her 21-year-old son who lives with her, is studying, and does not wish to take out a loan to complete his studies, knowing that his income from working on weekly holidays is insufficient?

It is not permissible for the one paying Zakat to give it to someone whose maintenance is obligatory upon them. A mother is not obligated to spend on her child unless three conditions are met: the absence of the father, the mother being wealthy, and the child being poor. If these three conditions are met, then maintenance becomes obligatory upon her, and she is not allowed to give him from Zakat. However, if the father is present, or the mother is unable to provide for him, then it is permissible for her to give him from Zakat, and likewise if he is indebted to pay off his debts.