WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ZAKAT?

According to Sharia, every Muslim who is of sound mind, has reached puberty, and possesses wealth above the nisab threshold (excluding basic needs and debts) is required to pay zakat once a year. Allah mentions in the Qur’an, in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60, the categories of people eligible to receive zakat:

“Indeed, zakat (charity) is only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, for freeing slaves, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler.”

In a hadith narrated by Ziyad bin Harith (may Allah be pleased with him), it is reported that a man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to give him zakat. The Messenger of Allah replied:

“Allah does not leave the judgment of zakat to the Prophet or anyone else. In the Qur’an, Allah has specified eight categories of people who can receive zakat. If you are one of these eight, I will give you your due.”

Thus, zakat is given to eight categories of people: the poor, the needy, those who collect zakat, new Muslims, slaves seeking freedom, those in debt, those striving in the path of Allah, and stranded travelers.

Zakat cannot be given to non-Muslims, the wealthy and their children, one’s parents, grandparents, descendants (children, grandchildren), or between spouses.

In general, it is preferable to give zakat (and charity) first to one’s siblings and their children, paternal uncles and aunts and their children, maternal uncles and aunts and their children, other relatives, neighbors, colleagues, and those living in the same village or city (if they are eligible to receive zakat).

As mentioned above, when giving zakat or charity, one should start with relatives and neighbors. If they are not eligible, then it should be given to the poor and other eligible recipients in the area. Sending zakat elsewhere without a valid reason is considered makruh (discouraged). However, if there are needy relatives or other valid reasons in another place, it is permissible to send zakat there.

Medet QURMASHULY,

Specialist, Sharia and Fatwa Department, SAMK

“Iman” magazine, No. 12, 2023