What is the ruling on paying zakat in a state other than the state of employment?
Basically, zakat can be paid in a different state than the place of employment, as long as it is distributed to eligible zakat recipients (asnaf).
However, it is more virtuous (afdhal) to pay zakat in the place where the wealth is earned or owned.
According to the Malaysian National Fatwa Council, zakat should ideally be paid in the place where the individual resides or earns income.
Nonetheless, if there is a more urgent need elsewhere, zakat can be channeled to another state.