These proofs show that what is meant by the verse is to identify those entitled to receive zakah, not to require that every eligible category be included. It is well known that the parts of the Sacred Law clarify one another, and what the Sacred Law itself clarifies takes precedence over analogy.

His statement: “It is permissible to distribute it to a single category.”

If it is permissible to distribute it to one category, must we give it to three or more individuals within that category, since the verse is phrased in the plural? Allah, Exalted is He, says:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, and those employed to collect it …”

Must we include them all, or should we say that this merely identifies those entitled to receive it, such that a single individual suffices?

The answer is the latter, based on the hadith of Qabisah, may Allah be pleased with him: “and we shall order that some be given to you.”

Thus, there are several views on this issue:

The first is that it is permissible to limit it to one individual from a single category. This is the most restrictive of the views, and it is correct, as indicated by the Quran and the sunnah. Thus, their mention with the conjunction “and” is intended to identify those entitled to receive it, not to make it obligatory to include them all.

The second is that one may limit it to a single category, on condition that it consists of a group.

The third is that all the categories must be included, even if only one individual is given from each.

The fourth is that all the categories must be included, with each category receiving it through a group of three or more.

The apparent meaning of the author’s words is that it is permissible to limit it to a single category.