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Is it permissible for a woman to dispose of Zakat funds that she collects and distribute them to the needy in the absence of a public treasury (Bayt al-Mal)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is permissible for a person to appoint an agent to distribute their Zakat to those in need, provided that the agent is trustworthy, reliable, and gives the Zakat to its rightful recipients. There is no difference between men and women in this regard. The rule concerning an agent is: "It is stipulated that the agent must be someone whose actions are valid for themselves in the matter in which they are appointed as an agent." A woman can distribute her Zakat herself, so it is permissible for her to act on behalf of others. Ibn Qudamah said: "Anyone whose actions are valid for themselves in a matter, and that matter allows for deputization, may appoint an agent for it, whether male or female, free or enslaved, Muslim or non-Muslim."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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