Is it necessary to inform the recipient that a payment is Zakah?

Primary text

It is not necessary to inform the recipient that the money given is Zakah, even if the giver believes the recipient to be poor. This position is supported by Al-Hasan, who stated that informing the recipient would be like rebuking or shaming him. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal agreed, advising silence upon giving and questioning why one should shame the recipient by announcing it is Zakah. The ruling is based on avoiding the humiliation of the poor.