Repaying Debt with Zakat Money

Question
My mother passed away two months ago and she had a debt. My husband has some money and wants to give his zakat. Is it permissible to pay my deceased mother's debt with zakat money?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: The zakat of wealth is given to the poor, and it is not paid in exchange for anything. It is not correct to pay the husband's debt from it; rather, it can be given as charity to the poor husband, and then he can pay off his debt from it. And God knows best.
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