A person is obliged by Shari`ah

Q: My younger brother suffers from a chronic disease that prevents him from earning his living and he has no source of income. He lives with my seventy-year-old father in Cairo in his house. My father's income is only enough for his expenses and those of my mother and I assist them all financially by the help of Allah (Exalted be He). Am I permitted to count the expenses paid for my brother's medication and daily living as part of my Zakah (obligatory charity)? Is not it permissible to consider my brother one of the categories of Zakah recipients?

Q: If the reality is as you mentioned, that your brother is sick and cannot earn his living and needs money to treat himself, and that your parents do not have enough money except what suffices their needs, it is obligatory for you to support your brother financially and cover the costs of his medication. Accordingly, it is not permissible for you to count this money as part of your Zakah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.