by saying:

“Charitable funds are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to administer them, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing those in bondage, those in debt, Allah’s cause, and the stranded traveller—a duty ordained by Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”

Nor may they withhold from the ruler any dues that must be paid to him, even if he is unjust. Thus, when the injustice of rulers was mentioned, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded:

“Give them what is due to them, for Allah will question them about what He entrusted to their care.”

In the Sahīh collections of al-Bukhārī and Muslim, Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The Children of Israel were governed by prophets. Whenever a prophet died, another prophet succeeded him. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be caliphs, and they will be many.”

They asked, “What, then, do you command us to do?”

He replied, “Honour your pledges of allegiance in the order in which they were given, and give them their due, for Allah will question them about what He entrusted to their care.”

Both collections also relate that Ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“After me, you will see favouritism and things you disapprove of.”

They asked, “What do you command us to do, O Messenger of Allah?”

He replied, “Give them their due, and ask Allah for what is due to you.”

Those in authority have no right to distribute these funds according to their own desires, as an owner distributes his own property. They are merely trustees, deputies, and agents, not owners, as the Messenger of Allah said