Can the Once-Rich Receive Zakah?
Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. My brother used to work in the Middle East. He was very well-off then. When he came back to Pakistan, he invested the money he saved over there, but unfortunately that was all lost because of business failure. He is now working somewhere but has a very low income to support his family. Some people say that he is not eligible to receive Zakah, due to the fact that he has his own house and all the necessities of life, like a TV, refrigerator, telephone, et cetera, in his home. Keep in mind that all this was bought when he was working in the Middle East. Is he eligible for the Zakah? Should he sell his household things to support his family? Please advise.