Some Muslim scholars state that it is not permissible to give Zakah to the Prophet’s descendants. On the other hand, the well-known Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, holds the view that it is permissible to give Zakah to the Prophet’s descendants, as they no longer get their due shares that they used to receive during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). (See Fiqh Az-Zakah by Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi)
Dr. Monzer Kahf, a prominent economist and counselor, states: “The descendants of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) should be excluded from receiving Zakah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said.
However, this prevention is to show respect to them, not to deprive them, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that they should not take the “dirt” of other people.
Consequently, a poor person from the descendants of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) must, on his/her part, make all effort to earn sufficient income. At the same time, the Muslim community and the government are also required to provide for a poor descendant of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from sources other than Zakah.
However, if there is a need that is not provided for by other sources, Zakah money becomes permissible for poor descendants of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).”