Is it better to pay zakah directly or to give it to an association that seeks out its recipients?
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The first question of Fatwa No. ( 5580 )
Q1: In some Islamic countries, institutions and committees have been established to collect and distribute zakah; they inspect families and study their circumstances to determine if they are in need of money. Which is better and closer to the Sunnah: direct payment from the one paying zakah to the poor person, or payment to these institutions and funds?
And which of the two parties is more protective of dignity, more preserving of one's face, and more helpful in organizing the distribution? So that many zakah payments do not pile up on a poor person who is known to people, while those who are unknown, especially those who are too modest to ask, are overlooked.
A1: If you take charge of paying it out yourself and ensure it is placed in the hands of its rightful recipient from among its people according to your ijtihad, then there is peace of mind in your heart. And if you entrust the payment to someone you trust to spend it in its lawful channels, then that is permissible. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q1: In some Islamic countries, institutions and committees have been established to collect and distribute zakah; they inspect families and study their circumstances to determine if they are in need of money. Which is better and closer to the Sunnah: direct payment from the one paying zakah to the poor person, or payment to these institutions and funds?
And which of the two parties is more protective of dignity, more preserving of one's face, and more helpful in organizing the distribution? So that many zakah payments do not pile up on a poor person who is known to people, while those who are unknown, especially those who are too modest to ask, are overlooked.
A1: If you take charge of paying it out yourself and ensure it is placed in the hands of its rightful recipient from among its people according to your ijtihad, then there is peace of mind in your heart. And if you entrust the payment to someone you trust to spend it in its lawful channels, then that is permissible. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.