Is it preferable for the owner to distribute Zakat personally?

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It is recommended for a person to distribute Zakat themselves to be certain it reaches the rightful recipients, whether the wealth is apparent (Zahirah) or hidden (Batinah). Imam Ahmad found personal distribution more desirable than delegating it to the Sultan, though delegation to the Sultan is permissible. Al-Hasan, Mak'hul, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, and Maymun ibn Mihran held that the owner should place it in its proper place. The general principle supporting personal distribution is that it constitutes the direct delivery of a right to its rightful owner, it preserves the wages of the distributors, protects the right from the risk of betrayal, and allows the owner to directly alleviate the distress of the recipient, especially kin and neighbors who are most deserving. This direct action is considered superior, similar to cases where the recipient is not known to be just.