If a debtor pays the zakat on the money on behalf of the creditor without the creditor’s knowledge, does it suffice for the creditor, or is he required to pay the money again?
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The questioner : If the debtor paid the zakat on the debt he owed without the owner’s permission, and he paid it not for himself but for the owner of the debt, does it suffice for the owner of the debt, or is he required to pay it again?
The Shaykh : Whoever pays zakat on behalf of a person who has not appointed him as an agent, it does not suffice for that person, because zakat requires intention. It is not like paying off a debt. If you pay off a debt for a person without his permission and you intend to claim it back from him, you may claim it back from him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for zakat, it is not valid if you pay it on behalf of a person without his appointment, because zakat is an act of worship that requires the intention of the person for whom it is due. If he has not appointed you, you have paid it on his behalf without his intention, and in that case, it is not valid, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)Sahih al-Bukhari 1.
The Shaykh : Whoever pays zakat on behalf of a person who has not appointed him as an agent, it does not suffice for that person, because zakat requires intention. It is not like paying off a debt. If you pay off a debt for a person without his permission and you intend to claim it back from him, you may claim it back from him.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for zakat, it is not valid if you pay it on behalf of a person without his appointment, because zakat is an act of worship that requires the intention of the person for whom it is due. If he has not appointed you, you have paid it on his behalf without his intention, and in that case, it is not valid, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)