Can zakaat be given to my brother who is building his home?

Question:

Can zakaat be given to my brother who is building his home and has ran short on funds to assist him – he presently does not have the nisaab in savings OR can I use zakaat to purchase something that his children need as he is unable to purchase it at this time? Jazack Allah

Answer:

As Salaamu Alaikum,

Once your brother does not possess the nisaab, you can give him Zakaat. He can then use it for any purpose he wants to. You can also use Zakaat money to purchase things that his children need.

And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan

28/6/2012