Is it a condition to have three prudent persons present when giving to a supplicant, and can documentary evidence or the presence of a disability take their place? Is this condition specific to one afflicted by a calamity, or does it include the utterly destitute and one who has taken on a guarantee?

The matter is permissible only for three types of individuals: a man who has incurred a debt (hamalah), or whose wealth has been destroyed by a calamity (ja’ihah), or who has been struck by poverty (faqah) attested to by three sensible people from his community. Anything other than that is ill-gotten gain (suht). This applies to one who is known to be wealthy. As for the unknown person, he is not required to provide proof of his need. This is supported by the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "The beggar has a right, even if he comes on a horse," and his saying: "If you both wish, I will give you, but there is no share in it for a rich person nor for a strong, able-bodied earner." If you see a disability or documents that prove the need, then there is no problem in giving to him.