Is it permissible to count the amount paid to settle a brother's debt at the bank as part of the zakat money, knowing that he is not asked to repay it?

A Muslim is rewarded for helping his brother, and he must remind him of the Almighty's saying: (And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; and He pardons much). It is probable that this is due to his dealings in unlawful matters or his failure to pay zakat, and he must hasten to repent.

As for giving him from zakat, one of the categories for zakat disbursement is "those in debt" (al-gharimun), who are of two types: 1. One in debt for reconciling disputes: This is someone who mediates reconciliation between two groups and incurs debts or financial obligations. He is given from zakat, even if he is wealthy, provided he does not pay from his own money. 2. One in debt for his own needs: This is someone who has incurred debt for a permissible need or entered into a permissible contract, or an unlawful one from which he has repented. He is given from zakat to repay his debt if he is poor.

Accordingly, it is permissible to give your brother from zakat funds if he is a poor person in debt. If something is given to him with the intention of zakat at the time of disbursement, it is counted as zakat. However, if the intention is not made until after the payment, it is not counted.