Who Is Eligible For Zakat?

Zakat is an obligatory form of charity in Islam. It is considered to be the third pillar of Islam that must be exercised by Muslims who possess wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab value.

According to the UNDP, the annual Zakat pool is estimated to be between US$200 billion and USD 1 trillion. This amount can significantly improve the quality of life for many deserving people living in poverty. While Zakat helps society by redistributing wealth, it also promises tremendous rewards in the afterlife. However, before giving Zakat, one must have complete knowledge about Zakat’s eligibility according to Sharia. In this article, we will explore the 8 Masarif of Zakat, which are the eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakat. They are also known as “Zakat mustahiq” in Urdu.

Who is Eligible for Zakat?

The eligibility for giving Zakat depends on whether one possesses wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab value. The Zakat threshold is 612.36 grams of silver. Any Muslim who has wealth equal to or greater than the specified amount is required to pay Zakat. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the recommended Nisab value for 2025 is Rs. 179,689. If you have cash or assets equal to or greater than that amount, you are required to pay 2.5% of your wealth or possessions to Zakat eligible people.

The Quran encourages believers to pay Zakat. Many Quranic verses establish Zakat as a mandatory requirement.

In Surah al-Baqarah, Allah (SWT) instructs believers to pray and give Zakat:

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:43)

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Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat?

The Quran also mentions the 8 masarif of Zakat – categories of Zakat eligible people. Only these people can receive Zakat and can be deemed Zakat mustahiq.

It is mentioned in the Quran:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] 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.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)

Heads of Zakat

According to the aforementioned Quranic verse, there are eight Heads of Zakat, who are eligible to receive Zakat. Note that all these categories of people should be Muslim.

1. Al-Fuqara (The poor)

Fuqara are individuals who possess some wealth or belongings. However, their possessions are less than Nisab. Therefore, they need assistance to fulfill their daily needs.

2. Al-Masakin (The needy)

Masakin are individuals who are totally destitute. They have no possessions or income. Your Zakat money can help them survive. Note that Masakin are poorer than Fuqara.

3. Zakat collectors

Zakat can be given to Sharia-compliant organizations that collect and distribute it among the needy and poor. It includes trustworthy institutions and NGOs that are working to help underprivileged Muslim communities and strictly follow the Sharia.

4. Mu’allafatul Quloob or Converted to Islam

Those who are newly converted to Islam or are inclined towards it are eligible to receive Zakat (if they are needy). 

5. Freeing captives

Zakat money was historically used to free captives and prisoners. However, Zakat can still be used to free people from unjust imprisonment, human trafficking, and oppressive situations that may qualify as modern-day slavery.

6. Debtors

Zakat can be given to pay off someone’s debt. However, make sure that the debt wasn’t taken to support any unethical activity.

7. In the path of Allah (SWT)

Those striving in the path of Allah are eligible to receive your Zakat. These are the people who abandon worldly benefits and dedicate themselves to Allah’s (SWT) cause. Your Zakat can help them achieve a better standard of living.

8. Wayfarer (Travelers)

Zakat can be given to a traveler who is left alone in a foreign land and is in need of money to return to their destination or to fulfill the objective of their trip. There is a condition that the person should be traveling for a lawful and righteous purpose. Refugees are also wayfarers and can be given Zakat money as they leave their countries because of violence and oppression in search of a safe and better place.

Remember that Zakat can only be given to Muslims. There are more subtle details to keep in mind before giving Zakat. For example, Zakat does not apply to Syeds. These complex points are handled by organizations that collect and distribute Zakat in accordance with Sharia law. 

These subtle issues are addressed by Sharia experts who guide charity organizations like Transparent Hands. We highly recommend our readers to seek counsel from Shariah experts before giving their Zakat.

Zakat is an obligation. Pay now!

Why You Should Choose Transparent Hands

Transparent Hands is a Sharia-compliant organization. We completely understand the categories of people eligible for Zakat.

Transparent Hands has provided medical and surgical assistance to over 250,000 needy patients across Pakistan since 2014. We also hold medical camps in low-income areas to support the most deserving patients. Our medical camps offer free checkups, medicines, and diagnostic tests.  All of this is possible with your support. 

We focus on achieving efficiency and transparency. Our unique crowdfunding platform ensures that the donors can contribute from anywhere in the world. They also receive complete information about the patients they support. Give your Zakat to help deserving patients in Pakistan.

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