Question Summary:
The mother is asking for Zaqaat money to defend the child. Is it alright to use zakaat money in this case?

Question Detail:

Assalamou Alaikum Mufti Sahab, I have a neighbour who is divorced and she is staying with her 3 yr old son. She is getting maintenance for the child. The child is currently going to an Islamic School. However, according to her, the father now wish, through legal action, to get the child to a private school. The mother is asking for Zaqaat money to defend the child. Is it alright to use zakaat money in this case?. The mother do have jewelleries etc. Jazak Allah for your attention.

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
If the mother has jewelry and its value is equivalent or more than the minimum Zakah amount and she does not have liabilities equivalent to the value of jewelry, then she is not legitimate recipient of Zakat.
The issue of the 3 year son going to school and the dispute between the parents requires further clarity. Is the son not too small to go to school? Why is there a dispute?
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah