Alms Tax: Zakat Based on a Claim of Poverty

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani

Ruling 1946

One can give zakat to a person who was previously poor and who says he is poor now even if he does not attain confidence (iṭmiʾnān) in his statement. However, based on obligatory precaution, one cannot give zakat to a person about whom it is not known whether he was previously poor [and who says he continues to be poor] until he attains confidence about him being poor.

-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Alms Tax (Zakat)