Is it permissible to give zakah to one who is able to earn a living and be self-sufficient?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: A man has the ability to earn a living, so is it permissible for us to give him from the zakah?

Answer:
No. The one who has the ability to earn a living, and there are jobs available where he can find work and he is capable of doing it, the zakah is not permissible for him because he is rich by his strength. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) directed these people to work. He used to give them an axe and say, "Go for three months, and after every three days, go milk and sell." He said, "This is better for you than asking people." So he (peace and blessings be upon him) directed him to work that he is able to do. But if he is strong and there is no work, he is given. However, if he is strong and there is work, he is not given, so that people do not get accustomed to charity and abandon work.