Important Reference
Understanding the importance of Zakat from the Quran, Hadith and the guidance of respected Islamic scholars.
Verses in the Quran
Qur’an on Amileen (Zakat Collectors) — The Most Critical Verse
Qur’an on Obligation of Zakat “Establish prayer and give Zakat.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
“Take from their wealth charity by which you purify them.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:103)
“Zakat expenditures are only for: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it (Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha), those whose hearts are to be reconciled freeing captives those in debt in the cause of Allah, the stranded traveler, [This is] an obligation imposed by Allah.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:60)
(THE FOUNDATION)
Key Point (VERY IMPORTANT):
Allah Himself names “Amileen” as an official category “Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha” linguistically means: those appointed over it This cannot be a random individual This verse alone proves: Zakat is administrative Amil is appointed authority Distribution is not personal choice
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110
“Establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow.”
Surah An-Nisa 4:77
“…Establish prayer and give Zakat…”
Surah Al-An‘am 6:141
“…and give its due [Zakat] on the day of harvest…”
Surah At-Taubah 9:5
“…but if they repent, establish prayer, and give Zakat, then let them go their way…”
Surah At-Taubah 9:11
“…If they establish prayer and give Zakat, then they are your brothers in religion…”
Surah Al-Hajj 22:41
“…They establish prayer and give Zakat and enjoin what is right…”
Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:4
“And those who give Zakat.”
Surah An-Nur 24:56
“Establish prayer and give Zakat and obey the Messenger…”
Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:13
“…But if you do not do so, and Allah has forgiven you, then establish prayer and give Zakat…”
Teachings of Prophect (PBUH)
Authentic Hadith on Zakat & Collectors (Amileen)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said : “Whoever pays the Zakat on his wealth, seeking rewarded for it, will be given its reward, while alleviating the punishment from his wealth.”[Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
Appointment of Collectors
Sahih Bukhari (Book of Zakat, Hadith 1458)
The Prophet (PBUH) appointed collectors to collect Zakat from people’s wealth.
State Enforcement of Zakat
Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1399)
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “I have been commanded to fight the people until they establish prayer and give Zakat.”
➡️ This shows Zakat is not voluntary charity
Accountability of Amileen
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1833)
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whomsoever we appoint to a task and he conceals even a needle, it is theft.”
Proof that: Amil is official and held strictly accountable.
Prohibition of Private Misuse
Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 7174)
A Zakat collector said: “This is for you and this was gifted to me.” The Prophet (PBUH) rebuked him publicly.
➡️ Amil cannot act privately
Scholarly Opinions
(Imams & Classical Scholars)
Imam Abu Hanifa (RA)
Zakat must be collected by the authority if an Islamic state exists.
📘 Al-Hidayah
Imam Malik (RA)
Distribution of Zakat is the responsibility of the ruler, not individuals.
📘 Al-Mudawwanah
Imam Shafi‘i (RA)
The Imam (state) appoints Amileen and distributes Zakat according to masarif.
📘 Al-Umm
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA)
Zakat is not to be distributed independently when lawful authority exists.
📘 Al-Mughni
Ibn Taymiyyah (RA)
“No individual has the right to distribute Zakat independently when an authority exists.”
📘 Majmu‘ al-Fatawa
Imam Nawawi (RA)
Zakat is collected and distributed by the state to ensure justice and order.
📘 Sharh Sahih Muslim
Summary
✔ Zakat is فرض (obligatory)
✔ Amileen are state-appointed officials
✔ Personal distribution is not the Sunnah system
✔ Qur’an, Hadith, and all four Imams agree on organized administration