Is it permissible to count the amount paid as charity on behalf of a traveling friend as Zakat or Sadaqa for the payer's own wealth?

The money you paid on behalf of your friend has become a debt owed by him to you. According to the majority of scholars, it is not permissible to waive this debt and count it as part of your Zakat (definition) payment. This is the more cautious and blameless approach, especially if your friend is not among the eligible recipients of Zakat. The debt can be waived with the intention of a voluntary charity. However, if you intend to count the money paid on behalf of your friend as Zakat for your own wealth, this is not permissible, because the money was essentially Zakat for your friend.