1. Is it permissible to use Zakat funds for building and renovating graves? 2. Is it permissible to use Zakat funds for purchasing the sacrificial animal (Udhiyah)? 3. Is it permissible to use Zakat funds to assist a sister who is a student, knowing that her father is alive and she lives with him, and that the brother is independent?

Allah the Almighty has restricted the recipients of Zakat to the eight categories mentioned in the verse from Surat At-Tawbah: (إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ) "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed 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." Therefore, it is not permissible to spend Zakat on building graves, purchasing sacrificial animals, or similar matters not falling within these categories. As for the needy sister, if her sustenance is obligatory upon her capable father, then Zakat should not be given to her. However, if her sustenance is not obligatory upon him, or if he is unable to provide it, then she falls within the categories for Zakat due to her poverty, and indeed, giving it to her is preferable.