The default ruling is to give the Zakat directly to the eligible recipient and let him own the item or its value, while leaving room for them to use it as they see fit. They are more aware of their own needs. However, if we have strong suspicion that the recipient may spend the Zakat funds on what Allah has forbidden or on something that is not appropriate for their needs, such as supporting their children or spouse or fulfilling their basic needs for food, drink, and medication, then according to the Hanafi school of thought, it is permissible to give them the item itself if the required Zakat is a monetary value. In this case, we can use the Zakat funds to buy food for their household, or fulfill their housing or medical needs. However, it is not permissible to use the Zakat funds for monetary benefits, such as paying a doctor’s fee. For example, a doctor does not charge the recipient for their medical services instead of giving him the Zakat, and a landlord does not charge rent from the tenant in exchange for Zakat. All of these actions are not permissible because the one who should give Zakat would derive a benefit from the Zakat.
Fatwa by: Dr. Khalid Nasr