Is it permissible to give Zakat on money to a sick sister whose husband does not provide for her, and to a debt-ridden brother who is experiencing financial hardship and has many children?

It is permissible to give zakat to a needy sister whose husband refrains from or is unable to provide for her. Giving it to her is preferable over others because it combines charity and maintaining kinship ties. It is also permissible to give zakat to pay off the debts of a brother who is unable to repay them, provided he does not own other assets that could be sold to settle his debt.