❀ The 8 Categories of Zakat According to the Qur’an ❀
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, Page 411
Question
What are the categories of those eligible for Zakat?
✔ Answer
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
Allah ﷻ has clearly mentioned eight categories of Zakat in the Noble Qur’an, which are presented below in detail:
The Eight Categories of Zakat
① Fuqarāʾ (The Poor):
Those who have absolutely nothing, i.e., extremely destitute and needy individuals.
② Masākīn (The Needy):
Those who possess something, but less than the Sharʿī niṣāb, or their income is barely sufficient for daily expenses with no savings left.
③ ʿĀmilīn (Collectors of Zakat):
Those appointed to collect Zakat, safeguard it, maintain its records, and deliver it to the deserving recipients.
④ Taʾlīf al-Qulūb (Winning Hearts Towards Islam):
Individuals whose hearts are inclined towards Islam, such as new Muslims, or people whose support may bring benefit to Islam.
⑤ Riqāb (Freeing Slaves):
Zakat can be given to free slaves or prisoners.
⑥ Ghārimīn (Debtors):
Those burdened with debt due to a Sharʿī necessity and are unable to repay it.
⑦ Fī Sabīlillāh (In the Path of Allah):
This includes all activities purely for the sake of religion and necessary for its preservation, such as:
- Jihād fī Sabīlillāh
- Expenses of Ḥajj
- Religious seminaries (Madāris)
- Construction and maintenance of Masājid
- Other religious causes
⑧ Ibn al-Sabīl (The Traveler):
A traveler who is wealthy in his homeland but faces financial difficulties while traveling, may also receive Zakat.
Those Who Cannot Receive Zakat
Zakat cannot be given to the following:
- Banū Hāshim
- Banū Muṭṭalib
- Banū ʿAbbās
- Āl-e-Rasūl ﷺ (Sayyids)
These individuals are not eligible for Zakat.
Important Clarification
- Faqīr: A person who has absolutely nothing.
- Miskīn: A person who possesses something but less than the Sharʿī niṣāb, or whose income barely meets daily needs without any savings.
Hadhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bis-ṣawāb.
