Is it permissible to entrust the distribution of Zakat to the ruler (Sultan/Imam)?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Entrusting Zakat distribution to the Sultan is permissible. This view is held by Imam Ahmad, provided it is not the Zakat on land (Ushr), which he found more desirable to delegate to the Sultan, comparing it to Kharaj (land tax) which the Imams manage. Al-Sha'bi, Abu Ja'far, Ibrahim, Ibn Abi Musa, and Abu Al-Khattab stated that paying Zakat to the just Imam is better. This is also the position of Al-Shafi'i's companions, based on the reasoning that the Imam is more knowledgeable of the proper recipients (Masarif), and paying him discharges the obligation outwardly and inwardly. Payment to the poor directly does not discharge inwardly due to the possibility that the recipient is not deserving. Furthermore, paying the Imam avoids dispute and removes suspicion. Ibn 'Umar paid his Zakat to the agents of Ibn Al-Zubayr or Najdah Al-Haruri.
Supporting text
Malik, Abu Hanifa, and Abu 'Ubayd maintained that only the Imam should distribute apparent wealth (Amwal Zahirah), basing this on the Quranic injunction: {Take from their wealth a charity that purifies them and makes them grow thereby} (Quran 9:103), and on the precedent of Abu Bakr fighting those who withheld Zakat, insisting it must be paid to the authority. They argue that what the Imam has the right to seize by virtue of his authority cannot be given to the ward (like an orphan's property).