Recipients of Zakaat

Q: I have some labourers working in my warehouse. They are poor people and most of the time they are unable to make ends meet. They own small houses. Can I give them zakaat?

Q: A maid recently started coming to our house. Apparently she seems needy. I have asked her about her possessions and she says that she doesn't have any gold/silver and neither do they have any saving. Can I give her zakat? I can not go and investigate myself, will it be sufficient to rely on what she says?

Q: If there are 2 siblings, one is fairly well off and the other is struggling financially. The “wealthier” one would like to discharge his zakaah.

The question is, can it be given to the struggling sibling, to settle debts. It would pay the credit card debts off and the card would then be cancelled.

Also, debts from medical bills that arose from the birth of their last child, which is with debt collectors. They pay small amounts, but with the interest so it does not do much and the amounts keep increasing. It would only be used for debt payments and no other purpose. Please advise.

Q: I have previously given an elderly person zakaat money to pay off his son's debt, without the son knowing. The zakaat though was was given with the intention for the son as he is zakaat liable. From my understanding tamleek (taking ownership) did not take place, is my zakaat valid, or do I have to take out the amount again?

Q: A person has two out buildings on his property which he rents out. One is attached to the house which he is living in, he is also earning a salary. His total monthly income is more than double the zakaat nisaab amount. However, by the middle of the month, he doesn’t have any money left. He also owes his wife and some relatives some money. Is it permissible for such a person to accept Zakaat?

Q: We have a joint family system. I am financially stable but my elder brother is struggling to survive. He is married and his wife shares a kitchen with us.

My question is can i give Zakat to my elder brother? As i said we have a shared kitchen, so I'm afraid if i give Zakat to my elder brother and with that money he brings some food, so that food will be halal for me? Even though it is not my intention that my brother bring food and share with us, but if some day it happens then what should i do?

Q: Will Zakaat be discharged by sponsoring a student (presumably poor and unable to pay the fess) at a Darul Uloom or Madressa?

Q: Can we give our zakat to a president fund raiser for a dam?

Q: Please advise whether a father or mother can give their adopted children their zakaat money if they are entitled to collect zakaat.

Q: Could Moulana please assist with the following regarding Islamic organizations collecting zakaat:

1. Are we (the committee) the wakeels of the donor or the recipient?

2. If we become the wakeels of the recipients, will the zakaat of the donors be discharged as soon as they hand over to any member of the committee?

3. In the case of na baaligh children who are a legible to receive zakaat, who is their wakeel/guardian? Can it be a member of the committee since these kids generally have non Muslim parents. (They attend madrasah in the locations but most of them are the only Muslims in their homes).

4. Any other advice or guidance will be much appreciated.