Scholars’ Views on Zakat
Classical Islamic authority on state-administered Zakat.
Throughout Islamic history, leading scholars have emphasized that Zakat is not an individual charity, but a structured obligation administered through appointed authority to ensure justice, order, and rightful distribution.
Scholarly Consensus (Ijma')
Classical Islamic Scholarship consistently treat Zakat as a public Obligation, collected and distributed through recognized authority, not left to individual discretion.
Imam al-Nawai (RA)
Zakat is to be collected and distributed by the ruler or his appointed agents to ensure justice and prevent misuse. (- Shar Sahir Muslim)
Ibn Taymiyah (RA)
“No Individual has the authority to distribute Zakat independently when a lawful authority exists. It is a right administered by those appointed.” (- Majmu’ al-Fatawa)
Imam Abu Yusuf (RA)
“Zakat belongs to the public treasury and must be collected through official agents to prevent order and fairness.” (- Kitab al-Kharaj)