As for the statement attributed to some judges—that only the blind, those disabled in their limbs, and the infirm among these people are eligible—no Muslim has ever said such a thing. Nor can one imagine a judge of the sort ordinarily appointed to judicial office saying this, unless he were among the most ignorant or wicked of people. Clearly, this impugns his probity and must be taken as evidence against it. Likewise, if the person attributing this statement to a judge has lied about him, he should receive a punishment that deters him and others like him from fabricating allegations against people.

The ruler need not wait for those concerned to lodge a complaint before punishing someone who fabricates lies against people and speaks about them and their entitlement in a manner contrary to Islam. Rather, punishment in such cases is permissible without anyone lodging a complaint, just as the ruler may punish someone who speaks about religion without knowledge, transmitting reports and issuing fatwas without knowledge. Such people are subject to punishment. All these people may therefore be punished without a complaint being lodged. Indeed, lying about people and speaking unjustifiably about religion and about people are widespread practices among many.

Whoever says that only the blind, the infirm, and those disabled in their limbs are eligible is mistaken by the agreement of the Muslims.

Likewise, whoever says that the various categories of public treasury funds are the entitlement of certain groups, including the poor, and that the ruler must allocate enough from the public treasury to meet their needs, is mistaken. Rather, they are undoubtedly entitled to receive zakat. As for fay revenues and public-interest funds, they are entitled only to what remains after