Ruling on Giving Zakat al-Fitr to the People of the House if They Are Poor

Question : The questioner asks: Is it permissible to give zakat al-fitr to those who claim descent from the People of the House, if they are poor and have no money, and do not take anything from the public treasury?

Answer : Charity is not permissible for the family of Muhammad, as is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) So whoever is from the People of the House, charity is not permissible for him, whether it is zakat al-fitr or zakat of wealth. However, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) held the view that if there is no khums (fifth) from which they are given, then they are given from the zakat to meet their need. Giving them from the zakat to meet their need is less severe than their begging from people and asking people for help, for their humiliation through begging and asking people is greater than giving them charity. This view held by Shaykh al-Islam has a point of view, and whoever takes the general ruling and says that charity is not permissible for the People of the House absolutely also has a point of view for his statement.