Is the payment of Zakat valid if the recipient, believed to be poor, is later found to be wealthy?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The payment is deemed valid. This position is favored by Ahmad's first narration, chosen by Abu Bakr, and aligns with the views of Al-Hasan, Abu Ubayd, and Abu Hanifa. The evidence rests on the Prophet's (PBUH) statement to two men regarding receiving hides: that they had no share if they were wealthy or capable earners. Furthermore, the Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah states that a man gave charity to a rich man, and the Prophet (PBUH) confirmed the charity was accepted, hoping the rich man might benefit and spend what Allah granted him. This suggests acceptance based on apparent need or the act itself, rather than a strict prerequisite of poverty.
Supporting text
The second narration for Ahmad holds that the payment is invalid. This view, held by Sufyan ath-Thawri, Al-Hasan bin Salih, Abu Yusuf, and Ibn al-Mundhir (with two opinions attributed to Shafi'i), argues that fulfilling an obligation to a non-entitled person, such as a non-Muslim or a relative to whom distribution is prohibited, does not discharge the obligation, akin to human debts.