of those entitled to it, and who can be trusted to deliver it to them. As Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”

If someone requests zakat whose need for it is unknown to the giver, while the giver knows that someone else is in need, giving to the person whose need he knows is preferable. Giving to a needy relative whom he is not obliged to support is preferable to giving to an unrelated person whose need is equal.

He was asked:

“A man owes zakat: may he give it to his needy relatives, or buy clothing or grain for them with it? If the ruler takes some of his sheep, does this discharge the zakat due on them? Must he distribute the zakat in the locality where there is scarcity and where his wealth is held, or not?

“If a poor person dies owing him money, may he count that debt towards his zakat? Or may he request the amount from someone else and receive it on the deceased’s behalf? May he give zakat to someone who does not pray, or not?”

He replied:

Praise be to Allah. He may distribute zakat to those entitled to it, even if they are relatives, provided they are not among his dependants. However, he should give them some of his wealth, and they may authorize someone to use it to purchase whatever they wish.