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Who can receive zakat?

By Creator · · 1 min read

Zakat can only go to eight groups named in the Quran. These include the poor, the needy, people in debt, stranded travelers, new Muslims and others in specific situations. It can't be given to the rich, to your own parents or children, or to your spouse (if you're the husband). In practice, most zakat today goes to people who can't meet their basic needs.

The eight groups

۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ "Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." Quran 9:60

In plain words

  • The poor (fuqara): people with little or no income.
  • The needy (masakin): people whose income doesn't cover basic needs.
  • Zakat workers: people who collect and distribute zakat.
  • Hearts to be brought together: often applied to new Muslims and people drawn to Islam. See Can I receive zakat as a new Muslim?
  • Freeing captives: historically slaves; some scholars apply it to people held captive or trafficked today.
  • Debtors: people who can't repay debts taken for lawful needs.
  • In the cause of Allah: classically those striving in Allah's path; some scholars extend it further.
  • Stranded travelers: people stuck away from home without funds, even if wealthy at home.

Who can't receive zakat

  • The rich and the able-bodied who can earn: the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said sadaqah may not be given to a rich man or to "one who has strength and is sound in limbs" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1634).
  • Your parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren, since you're responsible for them. See Can I give zakat to my parents or siblings?
  • Your wife, because her husband must support her.
  • The Prophet's family (Banu Hashim), according to most scholars.
  • Non-Muslims, according to most scholars, with a debated exception. See Can I give zakat to non-Muslims?

Checking eligibility

You don't need to investigate people's bank statements. Scholars say to judge by what's apparent and reasonable. Giving through a trustworthy zakat fund makes this easier. See How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat?

Key points
  • Zakat goes to eight groups in Quran 9:60.
  • Most goes to the poor, needy and debtors.
  • Not to the rich, your parents, children or wife.
  • Judge eligibility by what's reasonably apparent.
Tip: Start close to home. A relative, neighbor or fellow convert in real need is often the best place for your zakat.

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