Praise be to Allaah.  

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen :

There are eight areas in which zakaah may be spent. These are mentioned in the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:60]

What is meant by fi sabeel-Illaah (for Allaah’s Cause) is jihad fought so that the Word of Allaah will be supreme. So the mujaahid should be given what he needs to cover his expenses and to buy weapons.

The scholars said: fi sabeel-Illaah (for Allaah’s Cause) also includes a man who devotes all his time to seeking Islamic knowledge, so he should be given from the zakaah funds enough to cover his expenses for clothing, food and drink, accommodation and the books of knowledge that he needs, because Islamic knowledge is a kind of jihad for the sake of Allaah. Indeed, Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: There is nothing like knowledge for the one whose intention is sound.

Knowledge is the foundation of the whole religion, and there is no religion without knowledge. Allaah revealed the Book so that mankind may keep up justice, and learn the rulings of their religion, and the beliefs, words and deeds that are enjoined upon them.

With regard to jihad for the sake of Allaah – yes, it is the noblest of deeds, and is indeed the pinnacle of Islam, and there is no doubt concerning its virtue. But knowledge has a high status in Islam, and the fact that it is included in jihad is obvious and there is no doubt concerning that.

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 337-338.

The Standing Committee was asked:

Is it permissible to give zakaah funds to seekers of knowledge who are in desperate need?

They replied:

Yes, it is permissible to give them zakaah to meet their needs.

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/17.