A. Authority can be delegated to another person or an organisation to distribute Zakah on one's behalf. However, if this representative does not distribute the Zakah, or distributes it incorrectly then one's Zakah will not be discharged, and will remain unfulfilled. 

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Q. Can Zakah be discharged gratuitously on behalf of another person?

A. Zakah may be discharged gratuitously for another person provided this is done with the consent of the one who is obligated to do so. E.g. if the husband wants to discharge the Zakah of the wife for her, then he may do so with her consent or knowledge.  

Zakah may be discharged on one’s behalf by another person upon one’s request and this will be a debt which should be repaid.

And Allah Knows Best

Darul Ihsan Fatwa Department