Is paying Zakat to a Sultan who is unjust valid?

Chapter on Zakat on Sheep

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 2 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Payment of Zakat suffices for the owner even if the collecting Sultan is unjust (jā'ir) in his governance. The payment is valid whether the ruler takes it by force or the owner gives it willingly.