Handing one's Zakah to the chieftain of the tribe

A: It is compulsory to pay Zakah to the legally specified recipients or to the authorized Zakah collectors sent by the government. If the chieftain of the tribe is authorized by the government, it is obligatory to deliver the Zakah to him; otherwise, it should be paid to the Zakah officers sent by the government. If the government does not send anyone to collect the Zakah, the person on whom Zakah is due must pay it to the legal recipients of the poor and the needy. The value of the sheep that is paid on a yearly basis differs from one year to another according to the high/low rate of prices, so this difference should be considered upon giving the value to clear one's self from this fundamental obligation, which is always joined with Salah (prayer), and should seriously be observed without the least neglect.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.