Is the Zakat payer required to be diligent and exert effort in searching for those deserving of Zakat? And if someone comes to him claiming to be deserving, is he obligated to investigate, or should he be convinced immediately? And is it sufficient for the Zakat payer to inform the recipient that the money is Zakat, in order for his responsibility to be absolved, and the recipient bears the sin if he is not deserving?

The Zakat payer must investigate who is eligible for Zakat. A strong presumption of a person's eligibility is sufficient for him, and certainty is not required. If the Zakat payer informs the solicitor that the money is Zakat and he has a strong presumption of their eligibility, then there is no harm in giving it to them. However, for someone whose falsehood or ineligibility is known, it is not permissible to give Zakat to them. Ibn Uthaymeen said: "If one strongly presumes the truthfulness of the solicitor, then let him give; but if their falsehood is strongly presumed, then no. And if one is hesitant about their eligibility, then let him give to them after informing them that Zakat is not permissible for the rich nor for the strong, earning person."