Ruling on delaying the payment of zakah after its due date in order to seek out the needy

Q: Is it permissible to delay the payment of zakah for a period of months after its due date in order to seek out the needy, or because one does not have the money at the time zakah becomes due?

A: There is nothing wrong with delaying its payment for the reasons mentioned. As soon as the poor are found, or the money is available, one should hasten to pay it; because it is not permissible to delay it after the completion of the lunar year except for a valid religious excuse, such as not having the money in one's possession at that time, or not finding any poor people.
And I ask Allah to grant us and you success in understanding His religion and steadfastness upon it, for He is Generous and Noble.