Zakat Payment — Is It Better to Give to the Debtor or Pay the Lender Directly? ❖
Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
❀ Question:
Is it better to give zakat to a debtor so he can repay his debt himself, or is it preferable to go directly to the creditor and pay on his behalf?
❀ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
❖ Clarification Based on Circumstances:
◈ The ruling may differ depending on the situation of the debtor.
✅ If the Debtor is Responsible and Trustworthy:
➊ If the debtor genuinely desires to repay the debt and is trustworthy in handling the money given to him:
✔ Then it is better to give zakat directly to him, so that he may repay the debt himself.
✔ This also helps to protect his dignity and avoids exposing him to embarrassment in front of creditors.
❌ If the Debtor is Irresponsible or Wasteful:
➊ If the debtor is known to be careless with money or wastes people’s wealth, and there is a risk that he may use the zakat funds for non-essential purchases:
➋ Then in this case, he should not be given zakat directly.
➌ Instead, the zakat giver should go directly to the creditor, ask:
“How much does so-and-so owe you?”
➍ And then, pay the amount in full or in part (depending on financial ability) directly to the creditor.
Conclusion:
✔ The best method depends on the character and trustworthiness of the debtor.
✔ If reliable, give him the zakat to repay the debt himself.
✔ If not, pay the creditor directly to ensure proper usage of the zakat funds.
ھٰذَا مَا عِنْدِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
