Donated Zakaat funds not used by recipient
Question:-
A person was due for an operation. He was eligible for Zakaat, hence another person assisted him with Zakaat funds. The ill person took possession of the funds but then passed away without having the operation done. What happens to the funds?
What if the ill person took possession of the funds but then decided not to go for surgery?
Answer:-
Let us assume that a person by the name of ‘Zaid’ was due for an operation and he was eligible to receive Zakaat (as mentioned in your query.) Amr gave Zaid one lump sum which was sufficient to cover his operation costs, and Zaid took possession of the said funds. These funds are now owned by Zaid. If Zaid passes away before the operation, then these funds will form part of his estate and will have to be distributed amongst his heirs according to the Islamic law of succession. Each heir may use the funds as he or she wishes, without any restrictions after receiving their dues.
If Zaid decides not to have the operation for whatever reason, he is still considered as the owner of the funds in the above scenario, and may utilize the funds for any of his other needs.
However, when discharging Zakaat, it is Makrooh to give the recipient of Zakaat more than the Nisaab unless there is a valid reason to do so, such as being indebted for a large amount. Hence, if Zaid was not yet indebted but merely considering to have the operation done, then Amr’s act of giving him such a large amount of Zakaat funds which exceed the Nisaab, will be considered as Makrooh. This is if Zaid was eligible to receive Zakaat in the first place.