Giving those who ask for Zakah from it, when they are not known to be rich

A: It is permissible to give those who ask for Zakah from it, when they are not known to be rich. However, if the government imposes the payment of Zakah to the governmental authorities, it is a must to abide by their regulations in this regard. In this case, those who ask for Zakah may be given of other kinds of charities, such as Sadaqah (voluntary charity), because the one asking for favor has a religious right to be answered. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And in their properties there was the right of the Sâ’il (the beggar who asks) and the Mahrûm (the poor who does not ask others). And Allah knows best!May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.