Title: About paying zakah

Question: I had a painting labour for my house, during work he take all money fix for whole work and also take some extra money, now work is finished but he is not able to return my money which he took in extra, he seems poor person and also Muslim. Now I want to know that can I adjust that money to settle my zakah which due on me.

Answer ID: 168007Posted on: Aug 29, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 418/360/D=05/1440)

No, you cannot deduct the additional amount from your zakah money and thus your zakah will not be paid. For the payment of zakah it is mandatory that the intention of zakah is made while giving it to the poor person. Yes, you can give your zakah money to that poor person and he will become its owner and thereafter you may demand your debt from him.