What are the necessary conditions for an administrator (Amil) of Zakat funds?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
An administrator must be of legal age, sane, and trustworthy, as this position involves a form of authority (wilayah) for which these qualities are prerequisite. Furthermore, a minor or insane person cannot legally take possession, and a dishonest person risks misappropriating the Zakat funds. The condition of Islam is also stipulated, based on the analogy to the requirement of trustworthiness, and because this is an authority over Muslims, which a non-Muslim should not hold, similar to other forms of public authority. The administrator must also not be from the Prophet's relatives (Dhawu al-Qurba), based on the Prophet's refusal to appoint Al-Fadl ibn Al-Abbas and 'Abd al-Muttalib ibn Rabi'ah when they requested the position, stating that Zakat is the refuse of the people and is unlawful for the Prophet's family.
Supporting text
Some scholars hold that the requirement of Islam is not necessary, likening the administration to a contract for labor (ijarah) where a non-Muslim may be hired, similar to collecting the land tax (kharaj). Additionally, some argue that if the relative is paid their wages from sources other than Zakat, it is permissible for them to receive compensation from Zakat funds for their work, similar to payment for carriers or guards. It is not a condition that the administrator be free or a jurist (Faqih), as a slave can fulfill the duty, and the necessary knowledge can be provided through written instructions, as was done by the Prophet and Abu Bakr. It is also not required that the administrator be poor, as Allah designated the administrator as a separate category distinct from the poor and needy.