Alms Tax: Zakat for a Poor Person Owning Basic Necessities
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani
Ruling 1944
A poor person who does not possess the means to meet his and his family’s expenses for one year can receive zakat even if he owns a house in which he lives, or he possesses a vehicle without which he cannot lead his life or uphold his respect. The same applies to household furniture, utensils, summer and winter clothes, and other things needed by him. If a poor person does not have such things but needs them, he can purchase them from zakat.
-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Alms Tax (Zakat)


