If I am paying Zakat more than I am required for a year, can the extra amount that I pay over go towards the Zakat that I did not pay (knowingly/unknowingly) in the past year(s) or does it go towards general charity?
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
Zakat that is dispensed with the intent of dispensing zakat, in the right avenue will primarily count as Zakat. If there was previously owing Zakat on an individual, and the person dispenses more than his current years due, then the remaining can be paid out on behalf of the past missed Zakat.
This is because the past zakat is still liable upon the dispenser’s shoulders and he still needs to pay out.
If however, all past zakat has been paid out, then the excess zakat paid in current year can be forwarded to the next year zakat being paid in advance. This then can be reconciled next year when the individual calculates his next years zakat to be paid out.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi