from the fact that Allah began with them in the verse, whereas one begins with what is more important and then what follows in importance. This may also be inferred from the Prophet’s statement, when he approached al-Safa: “I begin with what Allah began with.” (1)

“Indeed, al-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” [al-Baqarah 2:158]

This indicates that the conjunction wa (and) may imply sequence—not by virtue of itself, but because placing the coordinated element first indicates that it takes precedence.

“And those employed to administer it: they are its collectors and custodians …”

His statement, “and those employed to administer it”: here he says, “those employed to administer it,” rather than “those employed in it” or “those employed with it.”

The word “worker” is a derived noun that may be construed with bi (with), ʿalā (over), or fī (in).

Let us give examples that will clarify the difference:

For example, if a person is told, “Trade with these dirhams, and you shall have half the profit,” then he is a worker with them.

A second example: a person hired to clean a house is a worker in it.

A third example: if we appoint someone to rent out this house, oversee it, and do whatever is needed to keep it in good order, then he is a worker over it.

Thus, those employed to administer it are those entrusted with authority over it. The work here is a duty of governance, not merely a service; that is, they are those who have authority over it, appointed by the ruler.

They are those whom the government sends to collect zakat from those liable to pay it and distribute it among those entitled to it. They are officials, not hired employees. I have said this so that it may be understood that whoever is given zakat in order to distribute it is not among those employed