Is it permissible for a person who does not have the Zakaat Nisaab to ask for Zakaat which he will save for future use?

Answer

In Ahsanul Fataawa, Vol.4, Page 268 appears an excellent answer to this question. Hadhrat Mufti Rasheed Ahmad (rahmatullah alayh) answering this questions states:

"It is haraam for a person who has food for one day or who is able to earn to ask (for Zakaat, etc.). It is also haraam to give Zakaat to such a person. The same rule will apply to his other needs such as clothes, etc. (i.e. If he does not have garments for his immediate needs, Zakaat may be given to him.). When he has sufficient for his needs, then begging is haraam……. The honourable Fuqaha have said that it is permissible for miskeen (poor) Students of Deeni Knowledge to ask (for assistance). However, that (permissibility) was in the early days when the masses did not have a detestation for Ilm of the Deen.

In this era, in view of the aversion and contempt which people generally have for Students and Teachers of Deeni Knowledge, there is no longer permission for even Students to ask. By Students asking for aid, the Deen is brought into disrepute. Read my treatise, Siyaanatul Ulama anith-thalli Indal Aghniyaa' (Protecting the Ulama from being Disgraced by the People of Wealth). The treatise explains the need for Istighnaa' (independence) from the people of affluence, and barakaat (blessings) of Tawakkul on Allah Ta'ala.

In Al-Alaaiyyah it appears: "It is not lawful for a person who has food for a day to ask for any food whatsoever nor is it permissible for a healthy person who is able to earn. The one who gives such a person commits a sin if he is aware of the man's condition (i.e. he knows that he has food for a day) because (in giving him) he aids a haraam act (which is begging). — Raddul Muhtaar"