Is it permissible to pay Zakat in installments, and is it permissible to pay it before it becomes due?

Scholars have differed on the ruling of giving out Zakat before it becomes due. Imam Malik prohibited it unless it was for a short period of time, while the majority of scholars permitted it. The opinion of the majority is supported by the Hadith narrated by Abu Ubaid, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "expedited the Zakat of two years from Al-Abbas." Furthermore, expediting Zakat serves a benefit for the poor.

As for giving out Zakat in installments after it becomes due, it is not permissible, because the right of the poor must be given out in full when it is due. However, giving it out in installments before it becomes due is permissible according to the majority of scholars, and this is the correct view.