Is it obligatory to pay the deferred dowry before giving out the Zakat on money, or is Zakat to be given from the current amount? What are the categories for spending Zakat on money, and is it permissible to give it to siblings or relatives? Is it obligatory to spend it in the current country, or is it permissible to send it to the country of origin?

Scholars have differed on the issue of Zakat for one who is in debt, with two opinions:

1. Debt prevents Zakat: This is the opinion of the majority. The debt is deducted from the wealth before Zakat is paid. They base this on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The best charity is that which is given when one is rich (i.e., not in need)," and on the action of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) who ordered the debtor to pay his debt before paying Zakat.

2. Debt does not prevent Zakat: This is the new opinion of Imam Al-Shafi'i and the choice of Shaykhs Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen. They argue that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not inquire about debts when collecting Zakat, and that Zakat is due on the asset itself, based on Allah's saying: "Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity."

The preponderant view is to adopt the opinion of the majority. Therefore, it is permissible to deduct debt (including the wife's dowry) before paying Zakat. And whoever pays Zakat without deducting the debt will have his reward with Allah.

The recipients of Zakat are specified in the Holy Quran by Allah's saying: "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." The most deserving people for Zakat are needy relatives whose maintenance is not obligatory upon you, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and to a relative it is two: charity and maintaining kinship ties."

Transferring Zakat is permissible for a preponderant benefit or a recognized need.