The scholars differed in their opinions regarding this matter. Imam Abu Hanifah and some of the scholars of the Maliki mazhab were of the opinion that it is not allowed.

They argued that the zakat does not achieve its purpose as the wife will indirectly benefit from the zakat given through the payment of nafkah to her.

The majority of scholars, on the other hand, state the permissibility of the wife to pay zakat to her husband. In fact, Shafi`i mazhab state it is recommended for a wife to do so.