Who is precluded from receiving Zakah based on existing financial obligations or support?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Zakah must not be given to those whom the giver is already obliged to support financially (those whose maintenance falls upon the giver). Giving Zakah to such individuals is invalid. Similarly, Zakah should not be used to satisfy pre-existing customary support that the giver regularly provides to certain people, such as neighbors, unless the Zakah funds are designated for needs beyond that customary support or if the recipient uses the voluntary Zakah funds for non-maintenance expenses.
Supporting text
If a recipient is normally supported by the giver, giving them Zakah is invalid if the amount given is sufficient to cover their mandatory maintenance. However, if the giver customarily provides a known monthly stipend to a relative, and this stipend suffices them, the relative is considered supported and may be excluded from receiving Zakah.