Is it permissible to waive a debt owed by a poor person and count it as zakah?

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, a person owes me a debt. Do I have the right to deduct the amount he owes from the zakah I will pay and give it to him?

The Shaykh:
No, no, one does not manipulate zakah. Zakah is paid to those who are entitled to it, and it is not made a substitute for something, or a substitute for a right, or a substitute for a debt. This is not permissible. Yes, and is it permissible for him to give it to other people from whom he has borrowed?

The questioner:
How? Repeat the question. He says: A person owes him a debt. Does he have the right to deduct the amount the person owes from the zakah he will pay and give it to him? Or give it to other people from whom he has borrowed?

The Shaykh:
No, and likewise, what is paid on behalf of the poor person is given to him in cash, and he disposes of it as he sees fit: he pays his creditors, or buys food or clothing for himself. He disposes of what is given to him as he sees fit. You do not impose on him, saying, "You may not use it except to pay off your debts." Let him use it as he wishes. Yes.