Is it permissible to give zakat to a wife who is experiencing difficult circumstances because her husband is mentally ill and possesses wealth, but she does not have the expenses for his treatment and desires shelter for herself and her son due to the husband's threats and his family's greed? And is it permissible to give zakat to her son who is a student?

The woman whose salary does not cover her basic needs, and her husband refuses to spend on her and cannot be compelled to do so, is considered poor and may receive zakat (definition). However, if her salary is sufficient for her needs but she spends it on luxuries, she is not eligible for zakat.

If a woman receives maintenance from her husband, she should not be given zakat, even if she is poor, because her needs are covered by her husband's maintenance.

As for the poor student of knowledge, he may be given zakat if he is engaged in acquiring knowledge that Muslims need, and he finds it difficult to combine seeking knowledge with earning a living, and he is diligent.