Is it permissible to waive the rent for an apartment for a person and consider it as zakah?

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. A man has a building and wants to give his zakah to one of the residents in this building by waiving the rent for his apartment, considering it as his zakah. Is this action permissible?

The Shaykh:
No, it is not permissible to waive a debt and consider it as zakah. Waiving the rent or other debts and considering it as zakah is not allowed. Allah the Exalted said: "And give the zakah," meaning give it, pay it, and deliver it to the needy or to the category of the people of zakah. Waiving a debt is not considered giving.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. If he...

The Shaykh:
He also gives him zakah so that he can pay you. He gives him zakah so that he can pay you the rent. This is not permissible and does not absolve you of the obligation of zakah. Yes.