Recipients of Zakaat

Giving zakaat to one's brother in-law

Q: My husband has a younger brother who is little weak. My husband made a three story building from which one portion is given to him and my husband also provided a grocery shop to him where he is working. He got married 3 years ago and has a son of 2 years. His wife was also given gold during her marriage as a gift for around 120 grams. But my brother in law's source of income is very low. He can not fulfil his basic needs. My question is are they eligible for zakaat money because every year we give zakaat money around 2 lakhs so I think it's better to give to our close relatives because he earns around two to three thousand a month in a grocery shop?

Giving zakaat to children

Q: Islam believes that all children are born pure and in Islam and if they die before they attain puberty, they go to Jannah, even if they are born of not yet Muslim parents. This being so, are these children eligible to receive our Zakaah, Sadaqa ul Fitrah and Zakaah ul Fitrah money?

Giving zakaat to one's brother

Q: I live in Bahrain with my husband and children. My parents live in Pakistan. My father is retired, my youngest sister is divorced she lives with my parents. My other sister is married and lives with her family in Pakistan. My one & only brother lives with his wife in Australia. He was financially taking care of my parents as my parents live in a rental accommodation although they own an apartment which is on rent but the rent is not enough. Last year in August my brother lost his job as he committed a crime (fraud), he worked in a financial institution. He was found guilty & is in prison. They bought a house in Australia on mortgage, his wife works & most of her salary goes to pay mortgage payment (mortgage is for 30 years) she is left with very little amount to pay other expenses (she is expecting a baby in October Inshallah). She had no money to pay the lawyer's fee (the lawyer after knowing their financial condition told her to give her fee in instalments). I've been sending her lawyer's fee  (instalments) every month since March. My brother will be released next month in August but will have no income & it will be very difficult for him to get a job (they are Pakistani nationals) so they cant get any help from the government & his wife will be on paid maternity leave. We have also found out from his wife that he has a car loan & credit card loan to pay to the bank in Australia. My parents are already shattered as they are practising Muslims & never ever expected their only son to be like that. His wife tells us that he is a changed person now, feels very sorry for his actions/trouble he has caused his parents & is praying, fasting in prison Allah knows best. I work in a school & I send his wife some money from my salary. I have to give zakat which I can't give at one time (I usually give it every month but I was not as I was sending money to them). I want to help my brother/his wife but I'm not in a position to help them and give zakat at the same time, frankly I want to help my parents too but its impossible for me right now. Can you please guide me if I can give my zakat money to my brother every month or my parents? I'm very confused as I don't know how to give zakaat and help him at same time when I know they have no other help and I don't want to delay the zakat