Issue No. 1643- An artisan, or a labourer whose income is less than his expenses for one year can take zakāt to meet his annual shortfall, and it is not necessary for him to sell off his tools, property, or spend his capital in order to meet his expenses.
Issue No. 1644- A poor person may receive zakāt to purchase a necessary means of transport, a house which he needs, and to provide the necessary capital for his work and trade. In this respect, he should content himself with the amount by which he may meet his needs and maintain his honour.
Issue No. 1645- A person who is able to sustain his life by becoming experienced or skilled should do so in order that he does not end up depending on zakāt. However, he can receive zakāt as long as he is in the process of learning.
Issue No. 1646- People who are involved in acquiring obligatory knowledge may benefit from zakāt. This rule also applies to judges and the executors of [religious] penalties, etc.
Issue No. 1647- If the one who has to pay zakāt is the creditor of a poor person, he can adjust the debt against zakāt; even if the poor person dies while he is in debt, the creditor can adjust his claim against zakāt. However, if the poor person has left a property which is equal to his debt, one cannot, as an obligatory precaution, adjust the debt against zakāt.
Issue No. 1648- If it is not clear that a person is poor, zakāt cannot be given to him. However, in case it is highly probable from one’s appearance that he is poor, it is permissible to offer him zakāt. Moreover if trustworthy people inform that he is poor, zakāt can be given to him.
Issue No. 1649- It is not necessary to tell the poor person that the property is of zakāt, Rather, one can give it to him as a gift (in such a way that it does not become a lie). In any case, he should make the intention of paying zakāt.
Issue No. 1653- Those who are entitled to receive zakāt should bear the following conditions:First- Faith in God, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) and the twelve Imams (as).Zakāt can be given to children or insane persons who are from poor Shi‘a Muslims. However, the zakāt should be given to their legal guardian irrespective of whether the payer intends to put the zakāt in their possession, or that it will be utilised for their benefit. In case however, a person has no access to the guardian, he or a trustworthy person can utilize zakāt for the benefit of the child or of the insane person.
Issue No. 1655- Being just and refraining from the major sins are not necessary requirements for receiving zakāt.
Issue No. 1656- Third- A person cannot give zakāt to those whose maintenance is obligatory on him. Hence, one cannot give his zakāt to his children, wife, or parents. However, if they are in debt, and are not able to repay their debt, zakāt can be given to them to the extent they are able to pay their debt.
Issue No. 1658- A father can give zakāt to his child to purchase religious books that he needs.
Issue No. 1659- If a husband does not pay the expenses of his wife, and the wife is able to get her right from him through the Mujtahid or his representative or someone else, such a woman cannot benefit from zakāt.
