Is it permissible for a daughter to dispose of her father's money without his knowledge in order to pay a Zakat that he refuses to pay?

It is not permissible for a daughter to take anything from her father's money or dispose of it without his permission and consent, unless it is for her essential maintenance due to lack of funds or a husband to support her. This is because disposing of another person's property without their knowledge is considered an encroachment or theft, which is forbidden.

If the daughter takes from her father's money and gives it to the poor as Zakat, this does not fulfill the obligation of Zakat, because Zakat is an act of worship that requires the owner's intention. Refusing to pay Zakat is a grave crime and a major sin. The one who has the right to take Zakat from someone who withholds it is the guardian of the Muslims (the ruler). The daughter should advise her father to fear Allah and pay Zakat to its rightful recipients, and she is not allowed to take it without his permission and knowledge.