Is it necessary to specify a certain date for the disbursement of Zakat, or is the matter left to the discretion of the Zakat payer?

Zakat must be paid immediately when it becomes due, based on the Almighty's saying: "And give the Zakat." This is also because the poor's need necessitates prompt payment, and delaying it would cause them harm. Furthermore, prompt payment is further from stinginess, purer for one's conscience, and more pleasing to the Lord. It is permissible to pay Zakat in advance before it becomes due if the cause for its obligation has been established, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) advanced the charity of Al-Abbas by two years.