Is it permissible for charitable organizations to take a percentage of zakat funds for administrative expenses?

Zakat may only be given to the eight categories mentioned in the Qur'an. Charitable organizations that collect and distribute zakat fall into two categories:

1. If the organization is appointed by the ruler, it is considered among "those employed to collect [zakat]" and is permitted to take a portion of it to cover administrative expenses and employee salaries.

2. If the organization is not appointed by the ruler, it acts as an agent for the zakat payer and is not considered among "those employed to collect [zakat]." It is not permitted to take any part of the zakat funds; rather, it must disburse the entire amount to those eligible to receive it.