Ruling on paying zakah on a debt

Question:
The questioner is an Egyptian working in the Kingdom. He says: I have a set of questions, and I hope you will answer them. I have money with a person, and a lunar year has passed over it. Do I have to pay zakah on it? In other words, is there zakah on a debt? And if this man has many debts, and I know his financial circumstances—this man’s circumstances are very difficult—what is required of me?

Answer:
If the debt is owed by someone who is unable to pay, you do not have to pay zakah. If the debt is owed by a man who is unable to pay, or by men who are unable to pay, you do not have to pay zakah. However, if the debt is with a wealthy person who would give it to you if you asked, then you must pay zakah. Every time a lunar year passes, you pay zakah. But if the debt is owed by people who are unable to pay, or by people who are delaying payment, and you ask them for it but they do not give it to you, then you do not have to pay zakah until you receive it. This is because zakah is a form of support, and these people have not given you your right, either due to delay and indifference, or due to inability and lack of capacity. Therefore, you are not required to pay zakah until you receive it from them and a lunar year has passed. Yes.