Is it permissible to give zakat to a coworker whose salary is insufficient to meet his living expenses? My coworker’s monthly salary does not cover the necessities of life. May I give him part of my zakat?

It is permissible to give your zakat to any of the eight categories of eligible recipients mentioned in the Quran, " Allah Almighty identifies the recipients of zakat in the Quran, “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those unemployed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler—an obligation ]imposed] by Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Wise” (Quran 9:60).

Based on the question—that the inquirer’s coworker’s salary is insufficient to meet his needs—we are of the view that it is permissible to give him zakat, since he falls within the category of the needy. This is supported by the words of our Lord the Almighty, "As for the ship, it belonged to needy people working at sea" (Quran 18:79). Although the owners of the ship owned a ship, they were nevertheless considered to be among the needy.

 demonstrating that ownership of property or employment does not preclude a person from qualifying as needy if his resources are insufficient to meet his essential needs.

KHALED, THE HIGHLIGHTED LINES ARE YOUR OWN EXPLANATION, DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED?

And Allah Almighty knows best.