Is it permissible for a person to give his father from his zakah?

Question : Is it permissible for a person to give his father from his zakah?

Answer : Your father is permissible. You and your wealth belong to your father, but this is not zakah; zakah is the wealth of Allah, peace be upon you. Some scholars said that it is not permissible to give zakah to one’s father because he is the one who is originally obligated to be supported. Other scholars said it is permissible to give zakah to one’s father, on the condition that it does not result in preserving his wealth, meaning, for example, if a wealthy man’s father is poor and he wants to give his father from his zakah for maintenance, this is not permissible. Because if the son is wealthy and the father is poor, it is obligatory for the son to provide for him. If he gives him from his zakah, it means he will save himself the cost of maintenance, and this is forbidden.