Q: My brother buys and sells goods at a low profit margin. He owns a car, small-house, no jewellery, has 4 school going kids. Usually at year end he pays up all creditors. Last year he was unable to pay up and still owes his creditors and will take him quite long to pay up. As a blood brother can I give him zakaat to sort out his account?
A. If your brother’s debts are more than his assets, then it will be permissible for you to give him your Zakaat. From your explanation it does seem that he owes more than what he possesses.
Mufti Siraj Desai