Zakat is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and it is a financial act of worship that aims to purify the soul and develop wealth. It obligates Muslims to give out a specific percentage of their wealth to assist the needy. Zakat has great merit as it is not just a religious duty but also a means of social solidarity and relief for the poor and the destitute. It is important to know that not all people are eligible to receive Zakat. Zakat is directed towards the needy categories such as the poor, the destitute, those in debt and other recipients according to Islamic Sharia. In this article, we will know who is not eligible for zakat.
What are the qualifications for Zakat?
Zakat has precise conditions that determine Who are the people who don’t pay Zakat and who must pay it to ensure its eligibility and among these conditions:
- The Zakat payer must be a Muslim, as Zakat is not accepted from non-Muslims.
- It is also imposed only on the free and does not apply to slaves who own nothing.
- The wealth subject to Zakat must be Halal.
- Its owner must possess it with full ownership without any restrictions.
- It is also stipulated that the wealth must be surplus to the essential necessities of life, such as food, clothing, drink and housing.
- The wealth must also reach the specified Nisab which varies according to the type of Zakat-payable wealth.
- It is stipulated that there should be no debt on the wealth that disturbs the clarity of its ownership.
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The difference between those eligible for Zakat and those prevented from it?
Those eligible for Zakat are the categories specified by the Sharia. They are:
- The poor (Fuqara) who do not possess enough to meet their basic needs.
- The needy (Masakin) who are in need but may appear self-sufficient.
- Those employed to collect it (Al-‘Amileen ‘Alayha) who are appointed to collect and manage Zakat.
- Slaves whose freedom is sought.
- Those striving in the cause of Allah (Mujahideen fi Sabilillah).
- The traveler who needs assistance.
As for who is not eligible for zakat, they are:
- Those who possess enough to meet their needs and levels of well-being.
- Relatives of close kinship (Dhawi al-Arham); assistance must be provided to them through other means.
- Zakat is not given to non-Muslims; rather, Sadaqah (charity) can be offered.
Zakat for the rich even if they need money
Zakat is imposed on the rich but is considered due only to those who cannot meet their needs. If a person is rich, Zakat is not given to him despite facing financial difficulties. The needy can also be supported through other means such as Sadaqah which is voluntary and given to any needy person.
Giving Zakat to a person able to earn but refuses to work
The Fuqaha differed on the ruling of giving Zakat to a person who is able to earn but refrains from working. The Hanafis and Malikis hold the view of the permissibility of paying Zakat to him, but, the Shafi’is and Hanbalis adopt an opinion of impermissibility which is considered the agreed-upon opinion. Therefore, if a Muslim is able to earn but refuses to work, it is better not to pay Zakat to him.
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Is Zakat paid on loaned money?
Yes, Zakat must be paid on loaned money if a year has passed over it, but not on money that has not yet been received.
Is it permissible to pay Zakat to someone who spends his money on prohibited things (Muharramat)?
Regarding the payment of Zakat to someone who spends his money on prohibited things, the Fuqaha differ on this matter. It is preferred not to pay Zakat to someone known for spending on prohibited things because Zakat is considered an act of worship offered to Allah and it is better that it is used to assist those who follow upright behaviors.
However, in some opinions, it may be permitted to pay Zakat to someone who needs it, even if he has incorrect habits as this could contribute to improving his behavior and attracting him towards the right path.
Giving Zakat to ascendants and descendants
It is permissible to give Zakat to ascendants such as parents, while it is not permitted for descendants such as children, except in one case which is if the father or son is in the situation of the indebted.
What is the amount of Zakat on 10 Tolas of gold?
The amount of Zakat on 10 Tolas of gold is 2.5% or what is equivalent to approximately 3.5 grams of gold.
Do orphans automatically deserve Zakat, or are there specific conditions?
Orphans deserve Zakat, but there are some conditions that must be considered as the orphans must be in a state of real need such that they do not have enough money or resources to meet their basic needs.
Zakat should be given out in a way that contributes to improving the situation of the orphans, whether through providing direct financial assistance or through funding projects that contribute to securing their future.
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Giving Zakat to a person who has debts but owns Illiquid assets
It is permissible to give Zakat to a person who has debts even if he owns Illiquid assets, on the condition that those debts are of significant importance and the creditors need them to be paid urgently. This person is considered needy if he has financial obligations that prevent him from meeting his basic needs. However, if the Illiquid assets are of great value but the person is unable to benefit from them urgently to pay off his debts.
Is it permissible to pay Zakat to someone who receives sufficient financial aid from another source?
It is not recommended to pay Zakat to a person who receives sufficient financial aid that meets his basic needs because Zakat is given to the needy for whom the support they receive is not enough. If the person is in a good financial situation thanks to the aid that he receives, he is not considered eligible for Zakat.
What is Zakat al-Mal?
Zakat al-Mal is a percentage of money or wealth given out annually and given to the poor and needy. It is usually 2.5% of savings upon which a year has passed.
Do those employed to collect Zakat deserve a share of it if they are rich?
Yes, those employed to collect and distribute Zakat can deserve a share of it even if they are rich as Allah SWT decreed that Zakat be given to these workers in His saying, Exalted is He:
{إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا}
(Innamas sadaqaatu lilfuqaraaa’i walmasaakeeni wal ‘aamileena ‘alaihaa)
[Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat]]
However, it is better that this share is used to assist them in performing their work and providing what they need to perform their duty, such that Zakat does not conflict with the availability of what is sufficient for them and their families.
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Is it permissible to give Zakat to a person who uses it to buy luxuries?
Zakat is considered a tool to assist the needy and meet their basic needs. Therefore, it is preferred that Zakat be given to those who need it to meet their basic needs such as food, clothing, housing and healthcare. If the person needs Zakat but intends to use part of it to buy luxuries, the luxuries can be considered inappropriate for the redirection of Zakat.
Can I give Zakat to my brother?
Yes, you can give Zakat to your brother if he is in need or going through difficult financial circumstances.
