Those who permitted not paying zakah to the ruler

Al-Nu'man said: A man asked Makhul about zakah (to whom should he pay it). He said: Pay it to the imam. Then he said: The imam is the Qur'an. And he used to keep that hidden.

Ibrahim and al-Hasan said: Pay zakah in its proper places (where it is due) and keep it hidden.

Tawus said: Pay zakah to the poor.

Hassan bin Abi Yahya said: A man asked Sa'id bin Jubayr: To whom should we pay zakah? He said: To those in authority (the rulers and kings). The questioner said: But al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf (who is the ruler) will build palaces for himself with this money and use it in other than its proper places (according to his own desires)? He replied: Act as you have been commanded (its burden is upon him).

Al-Hasan said: If you pay zakah to them (the rulers), that is fine, and if you distribute it yourself (to those entitled), that is also fine.

Khaythamah said: I asked Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both): To whom should I pay zakah? He said: Pay it to the rulers. Then some time later I asked him the same question again, and he said: Do not pay it to the rulers; they do not take care of the prayers and they let the prayers go to waste (miss their times).

Ata said: A man brought the zakah of his wealth to Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). Sayyiduna Ali said to him: Do you take anything from our stipend? He said: No. He said: We do not like that we should give you nothing and yet take from you. Then he ordered him to distribute the zakah (himself).