Paying the value of livestock instead

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Q 2: Is it permissible for a ruler to exempt some people from paying Zakah?

A: Zakah is imposed by Allah on Muslims according to the Qur'an, the Hadith, and the consensus of Muslim scholars. It is Allah alone who ordained the rulings pertaining to Zakah and it is not permissible for a ruler to exempt any person upon whom Zakah is obligatory from paying it. In this case, (Part No. 9; Page No. 208) a Muslim should not obey the ruler in abandoning one of the pillars of Islam. Instead, they should fight those who forbid paying the Zakah. If the ruler lets those who are obliged to pay Zakah collect and distribute it, they should do so and should pay the Zakah to those who deserve it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.