Who is Eligible for Zakat? A Clear Explanation with Examples

Who is Eligible for Zakat? A Clear Explanation with Examples

Who is Eligible for Zakat? A Clear Explanation with Examples

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a powerful form of worship that purifies both wealth and soul. But to fulfill this obligation correctly, a Muslim must understand who is eligible to receive Zakat—as outlined by Allah ﷻ in the Qur’an.

Misusing Zakat by giving it to ineligible recipients may invalidate its reward. So let’s explore the rightful categories of recipients with clarity and examples.

The 8 Categories of Zakat Recipients (As Mentioned in the Qur’an)

“Zakat expenditures are only for:

1.      The poor,

2.      The needy,

3.      Those employed to collect [Zakat],

4.      Those whose hearts are to be reconciled,

5.      To free captives,

6.      Those in debt,

7.      For the cause of Allah,

8.      And for the stranded traveler.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)

1. Al-Fuqara (The Poor)

Definition: People who have no or extremely little income and cannot meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

Example:
A widow with young children and no source of income.

2. Al-Masakeen (The Needy)

Definition: Those who may have some income but it’s not sufficient for their living expenses.

Example:
A delivery worker earning less than minimum wage who struggles to pay rent and bills.

🔹 Note: The difference between the poor and needy is subtle but both qualify.

3. Aamilin (Zakat Administrators)

Definition: Individuals appointed by Islamic authorities to collect, manage, and distribute Zakat.

Example:
A trustworthy community leader or organization employee who handles Zakat funds full-time.

📝 They can be paid a salary or portion of Zakat if they don’t receive other income.

4. Mu’allafatul Quloob (Those Whose Hearts are to Be Reconciled)

Definition: New Muslims or those close to Islam who may need support or encouragement to strengthen their faith or community ties.

Example:
A new Muslim who has lost family support due to their conversion and needs financial and emotional assistance.

5. Riqab (To Free Slaves or Captives)

Definition: In the past, this referred to freeing slaves. Today, many scholars extend it to freeing unjustly imprisoned Muslims or those trapped in human trafficking or bonded labor.

Example:
Paying legal aid for an innocent Muslim prisoner or helping someone escape human slavery.

6. Gharimeen (Those in Debt)

Definition: People who are overwhelmed by debt due to legitimate reasons and cannot repay it without hardship.

Example:
A father who took a halal loan for medical treatment and lost his job, unable to repay.

⚠️ Debt must not be due to haram activities like gambling or riba (interest).

7. Fi Sabeelillah (In the Cause of Allah)

Definition: Broadly refers to efforts for Islam—including da’wah, building Islamic infrastructure, and helping Mujahideen or students of knowledge.

Example:

• Sponsoring an Islamic school teacher
• Funding Islamic literature or online da’wah projects
• Helping a student pay Islamic university fees

8. Ibn Sabil (The Stranded Traveler)

Definition: A traveler in need, away from home, who has run out of funds—even if they are wealthy back home.

Example:
A businessman stranded abroad with no access to money due to card issues or theft.

📌 The key condition: they must be unable to access their own funds while traveling.

Who Cannot Receive Zakat?

Even if someone is poor, they may not be eligible due to relationship or status:

Examples of Eligible and Ineligible Cases

Give Zakat with Knowledge and Care

Zakat is not just about giving—it’s about purifying your wealth and helping those whom Allah ﷻ has named. Before giving, verify if the recipient truly qualifies. You may consult local scholars or certified Zakat organizations to ensure your contribution is valid and impactful.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Protect your wealth by giving Zakat...”
(Bayhaqi)