Giving Zakah to those collecting it in spite of the existence of poor people

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Q: Some people in villages think that it is not permissible to give the Zakah (obligatory charity) due on An`am (camels, cows, or sheep) except to the collectors of Zakah sent by the government. Although there are poor people who deserve Zakah in the places where they live, they refuse to give them from it. It is also worth mentioning that the government does not impose that Zakah should be given to it. Is what those people do correct? Give us a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar), may Allah reward you with the best!

A: If the government does not demand that Zakah should be given to the collectors of Zakah, there is no problem if they distribute it among the poor of the village or the city where they live. However, if the government imposes that Zakah should be given to its collectors, they must do so in obedience to the ruler.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.