Is it permissible for the Zakat payer to give Zakat directly to the creditor (ghareem) to settle the debtor's (ghārim) debt?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
It is permissible for the Zakat payer to give the Zakat directly to the creditor to settle the debtor's obligation. Ahmad transmitted one narration permitting this, stating that since the Zakat is being applied toward satisfying a debt, it is analogous to giving it to the debtor for the purpose of paying that debt. This is supported by the action of giving Zakat for the satisfaction of debt.
Supporting text
A second narration attributed to Ahmad suggests that it is preferable for the Zakat payer to give the money to the debtor so that the debtor may settle the debt himself. If the debtor claims fear that the creditor will consume the money without paying the debt, the Zakat payer should instruct the debtor to appoint the creditor as his agent (wakil) to settle the debt. This preference implies that payment directly to the creditor without the debtor's agency is not ideal, as the debt is upon the debtor, and settling it requires his authorization. However, this preference may be interpreted as mere recommendation (istihbāb), allowing the direct payment to be valid.