It is narrated from Muhammad bin Yahya bin Haban that two persons from the tribe of Ashja‘ informed me that Muhammad bin Maslamah Ansari used to come to collect zakat and would say to the owner of the wealth: Bring to me the zakat of your wealth. Then, whoever brought a goat, if it was suitable for zakat, he would accept it.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said: In our view, the Sunnah is this, and we found the scholars of our city upon it, that no hardship should be imposed upon Muslims in taking zakat, and whatever they give should be accepted.