Is it permissible to give the zakat of gold on behalf of the husband—whether he is in debt or a prisoner—or on behalf of the children? And is zakat obligatory for previous years? And is it permissible to intend it as sadaqah when spending the usual maintenance on children?

Zakat is obligatory on wealth if it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and a hawl (full lunar year) passes over it. Repentance is obligatory, and the zakat for previous years must be paid if it has not been. It is permissible to pay zakat to settle the debt of a husband who is a debtor and unable to pay, whereas it is not permissible to pay it for the maintenance of children. Spending on children carries a great reward.