Who is eligible for Zakat? A complete guide to Zakat eligibility

Zakat is one of the most fundamental duties every Muslim should fulfill. Most believers give Zakat with complete sincerity but sometimes lack knowledge of Zakat requirements. Allah (SWT) is kind and forgiving. But believers are expected to fulfill their Zakat-giving duty with sincerity and thoroughness. Zakat isn’t only a personal spiritual act. Giving correct amounts of Zakat to the right people can change many lives. Islamic jurisprudence clearly defines Zakat recipients. Thus, it is important for all Muslims to make sure that Zakat really goes to those who deserve it most. Understanding who is eligible for Zakat is important because it allows us to fulfill this important obligation in its true spirit. In this blog, we will discuss Zakat eligibility in detail.

What Does Islam Say About Zakat Eligibility?

Zakat eligibility is clearly defined in the Quran. The following verses explicitly define the Masarif (categories) of Muslims who can receive Zakat.

 The Quranic Basis for Zakat Recipients

“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)

Why Zakat Must Be Given to Eligible People

Giving Zakat to eligible people is important because it is directly mentioned in the Quran and is mandated by Allah (SWT). The following Hadith clearly mentions the importance of giving Zakat to eligible people:

“Narrated Ziyad ibn al-Harith as-Suda’i: I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and swore allegiance to him, and after telling a long story he said: Then a man came to him and said: Give me some of the sadaqah (alms). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah is not pleased with a Prophet’s or anyone else’s decision about sadaqat till He has given a decision about them Himself. He has divided those entitled to them into eight categories, so if you come within those categories, I shall give you what you desire.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 1630)

The Purpose of Zakat Distribution

The primary purpose of giving Zakat is pleasing Allah (SWT). It is a direct requirement mandated by Allah (SWT). Zakat uplifts the weaker segments of society, but its ultimate purpose is submission and obedience to Allah (SWT). However, Allah (SWT) promises great rewards for those who comply. According to the following Quranic verses, Zakat purifies our wealth and spiritually increases it:

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah ‘s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:103)

The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients:

Zakat can only be given to the following categories:

Al-Fuqara (The Poor)

Fuqara are people who might possess some wealth or belongings, but not enough to meet their basic needs. However, their wealth must be less than the Nisab value.

Al-Masakin (The Needy)

These people live in absolute poverty. They don’t have any possessions or a source of income and need assistance to survive. They are poorer than al-Fuqara and thus immediately qualify as Zakat recipients.

Freeing captives

Zakat money was used to buy freedom for slaves and captives in the past. It can still be paid to win freedom for people trapped in unjust and oppressive situations. But there is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars about the contemporary use of these.

Zakat collectors

Muslims who have been assigned by local authorities to collect and distribute Zakat also qualify as Masarif e Zakat. These people can also receive a portion of the collected Zakat as compensation for their work/salaries, and thus they are eligible for Zakat in Islam.

Mu’allafatul Quloob  (Converted to Islam)

New converts to Islam, or people who are inclined towards Islam, can also receive Zakat, especially in situations where they need financial assistance to sustain themselves.

Debtors

One can also give Zakat to pay off the debt of a person who might not have resources to repay it. Make sure that the debt wasn’t taken for any illegal, unethical, or un-Islamic purpose. Islam doesn’t lend any support to any action that is illegal or unethical.

Fi Sabilillah  (In the path of Allah (SWT))

People who are striving for Islam are also eligible to receive your Zakat. Such people have abandoned their worldly lives to strive for the glory of Islam.

Wayfarers (Travelers)

Zakat can also be given to travelers. People who travel alone to foreign lands and need money for their sustenance. Before committing your Zakat to wayfarers, make sure that they are not involved in unlawful activities. Refugees are also considered in this category, especially if they are victims of oppression and in search of safety.

One must avoid any delays in paying Zakat. If you haven’t paid your annual Zakat dues, don’t wait for long and pay it online. 

Who Is Not Eligible for Zakat?

It is worth mentioning again that Zakat can only be given to Muslims. Also, remember that Zakat cannot be given to Syeds. Shariah-compliant organizations working under the supervision of qualified Islamic scholars usually know about these subtleties. They are in a better position to ensure Shariah compliance.

Can Zakat Be Given for Medical Treatment?

 When Patients May Qualify for Zakat

Zakat can be given for the medical treatment of needy patients provided that they belong to the al-Fuqara or al-Masakin categories mentioned in the Quran. Organizations that nominate patients must make sure that their Zakat recipients are truly deserving and belong to the aforementioned categories.

Can Zakat Help Pay for Surgeries?

Surgeries, especially life-saving surgeries, deserve your Zakat donations. The Quran clearly mentions that saving a life is equivalent to saving all of humanity. By donating Zakat for surgeries, you fulfill your obligation while saving lives.

Supporting Eligible Patients Through Healthcare Charities

Giving Zakat for medical treatment is allowed if it is used to benefit deserving patients. Supporting eligible patients through medical charities is a great practice, especially with your Zakat and Sadaqah money. However, before making a donation, make sure that the organization you support is Shariah-compliant and trustworthy.

How to Verify That Someone Is Eligible for Zakat

Zakat distribution rules are very clear in Islam. If you intend to assist a needy person through your Zakat, make sure that you verify that they are Zakat-eligible. In that case, you must assess their financial needs and current financial standing and religious status. Going through this process is a serious responsibility. You can always entrust this responsibility to a trusted Shariah-compliant organization by donating your Zakat to them. You can always calculate your exact Zakat obligation using a Zakat calculator.

Conclusion

By giving Zakat, we cleanse our wealth spiritually, while showing obedience to Allah (SWT). There are eight categories of Zakat-eligible people clearly mentioned in the Quran. Zakat must only be given to these people. Just like it is important to follow any ritual in its true spirit, understanding the true spirit of Islam and following it with complete sincerity is important. Responsible distribution of Zakat shows a believer’s commitment to obeying Allah’s (SWT) orders. Therefore, before giving Zakat, make sure that you are benefiting the right Zakat beneficiaries.

People frequently ask questions like: “Can patients receive Zakat?” or “Can hospitals receive Zakat?” The answer to these questions is yes.

By supporting Shariah-compliant organizations, you ensure that this responsibility is taken care of. However, always choose trustworthy and Shariah-compliant organizations for your Zakat and Sadaqah donations.