His brother is in debt – can he help him with his zakaah?

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
My brother works and has his salary but there is a big money he has to pay and this will take years from him to pay. Can I give him from the Zaka Almal(charity of the money)?
(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)
Check below answers in case you are looking for other related questions:
Ruling on giving zakaah to brothers, sisters, paternal uncles and aunts, and other relatives
Giving zakaah to relatives

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

If your brother is in debt, and he has a salary which is not sufficient for him to live on and pay this debt, and he is someone who prays and will not waste the money in things that are not pleasing to Allaah, then there is nothing wrong with giving him some of the zakaah from your money.

Shaykh Sa’d al-Humayd.

Because he comes under those whom Allaah describes as (interpretation of the meaning):

“… those in debt (al-ghaarimeen)…”[al-Tawbah 9:60]

 But if his debt is the result of something haraam such as ribaa or gambling, then do not give him anything until he repents to Allaah.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.
Your brother and well wisher in Islam

Related Answers:
Can he give his zakaah to his brother on whom his father spends?
Is it permissible to build a mosque using zakaah money?
Giving zakaah to kaafirs
Ruling on giving zakaah to brothers, sisters, paternal uncles and aunts, and other relatives
Giving zakaah to relatives

Recommended answers for you:
How many hours is it permissible for a person to sleep?
Praying for the newborn to be righteous in various ways
Ruling on cosmetic surgery
If image-making is haraam, how come it is permissible to watch TV and videos?
Removing hair and nails during the menstrual period