Is it permissible for a father to give the zakat of his sheep to his married son who does not live with him, is not dependent on him, and lives on a low income?

It is not permissible for a father to pay his Zakat to his son if the son is poor and the father is wealthy, because the father is obligated to provide for his poor son, and paying Zakat to him would negate this obligation, making it as if he paid it to himself.

Two cases are exempted: 1. If the son is in debt (gharim), it is permissible for the father to pay him Zakat to settle his debt, as the father is not obligated to pay his son's debts. 2. If the father's wealth is insufficient to provide for his poor son, then it is permissible for him to pay Zakat to his son in this situation.