Is it permissible to appoint someone to distribute Zakat, or must the giver distribute it himself?

It is permissible for someone upon whom Zakat (definition) is obligatory to appoint a trustworthy person to distribute it. This is legally permissible because it resembles the settlement of debts, and there may be a need for it. However, it is preferable for the Zakat payer to distribute it himself to ensure it reaches its rightful recipients. The agent must be trustworthy and a Muslim. It is also permissible to appoint an agent for receiving Zakat. So, if a poor person appoints someone to receive it, it is permissible for it to remain with the poor person's agent even after the Eid prayer if it is Zakat al-Fitr.