Nor may one discharge his zakah to his ascendants—that is, his parents and grandparents—or to his descendants, namely his children and grandchildren.

Likewise, he may not give his zakah to his wife, for she is already provided for through his maintenance, and doing so would amount to shielding his own wealth.

A Muslim must be certain about the eligibility of the person to whom he pays zakah. If he gives it to someone he presumed to be entitled and later finds out that the person was not, the payment is invalid. If, however, no evidence emerges to show the recipient’s ineligibility, the payment is acceptable, for predominating likelihood suffices unless the contrary becomes clear. This is based on the incident in which two men came to the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—asking for charity. He scrutinized them, noticed they were strong and able-bodied, and said, “If you wish, I will give you some of it, but there is no share in it for a wealthy person or for one who is strong and able to earn a living.”