Zakat in the Arabic language signifies growth and increase and it represents an obligation upon every Muslim who believes in Allah and the Last Day; therefore, we must learn the rulings and conditions of Zakat because this knowledge is indispensable for a Muslim. It serves as a means to attain the satisfaction of Allah, purify the heart from selfishness and greed and contributes to nurturing the soul upon commendable morals and the love of good for others. In this article, we will know who is Zakat eligible, ensuring that it reaches those who truly deserve it according to Islamic guidelines.
Conditions of Zakat in Islam
Before addressing the question of who is Zakat eligible, it is important for us to understand the conditions of Zakat itself, as Zakat is obligatory upon every free Muslim and is not accepted from a non-believer. It is stipulated that the wealth must be Halal because Allah SWT is Tayyib (Good, Pure) and accepts only that which is Tayyi. Furthermore, the wealth must be fully owned by its possessor and the owner should not have outstanding debts against it.
The wealth should also be among the types that are subject to growth, such as trade, livestock that reproduce and crops and fruits; moreover, a full Hijri year, known as the Hawl, must pass over all such wealth, with the exception of agricultural produce, for which Zakat is due at the time of harvest. It is necessary that the wealth reaches the Nisab which varies according to the type of Zakat-eligible asset and the wealth must be surplus to the individual’s basic essential needs, including food, drink, clothing and shelter.
Regarding the ruling on Zakat, it is an obligation Fard and a pillar among the pillars of the religion; whoever abandons it out of denial while its conditions are met has committed disbelief according to the majority of scholars. Conversely, whoever withholds it out of laziness or miserliness has committed a major sin among the grave major sins and is considered among the defiantly disobedient.
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Who are the 8 recipients of Zakat?
The eight categories of Zakat recipients become clear from the noble Quranic verse:
{إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ}
(Innamas sadaqaatu lilfuqaraaa’i walmasaakeeni wal ‘aamileena ‘alaihaa wal mu’al lafati quloobuhum wa fir riqaabi walghaarimeena wa fee sabeelil laahi wabnis sabeeli fareedatan minal laah; wallaahu ‘Aleemun Hakeem)
[Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] 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.]
The verse clarifies that Zakat is designated for the poor (Fuqara) and the needy (Masakin), who are those lacking sufficient sustenance to cover their needs for even half a year; for instance, if someone’s need is ten pounds, they might only possess seven pounds.
“Those whose hearts are to be reconciled” (Al-Mu’allafah Qulubuhum) includes a group of weak Muslims whom it is desired to stabilize and endear their hearts to Islam, or individuals whose harm against Muslims it is desired to prevent. “In freeing captives” (Fi al-Riqab) refers to slaves or Muslims held captive by non-believers. “Those in debt” (Al-Gharimin) are individuals burdened with debts they cannot repay.
“Those employed to collect it” (Al-‘Amileen ‘Alayha) are those responsible for gathering and distributing Zakat funds. “In the cause of Allah” (Fi Sabilillah) refers to those fighting enemies (Mujahideen) and also encompasses students who have dedicated themselves to seeking Islamic knowledge. “The wayfarer” (Ibn al-Sabil) is the traveler distant from his family who no longer possesses sufficient means for his needs or cannot return to his homeland due to depleted funds.
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Who does not deserve to receive Zakat?
There exists a group of individuals for whom Zakat is not permissible such as the household of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the wealthy and affluent, those who have apostatized from the religion, non-believers of various denominations, the deceased and anyone related to or genealogically linked to the Zakat payer through birth, like parents and children, whose financial support might be obligatory upon the payer.
What are the two types of Zakat?
Two main types of Zakat exist: firstly, Zakat al-Mal which encompasses several categories including Zakat on agricultural produce, Zakat on gold and silver and other forms of wealth. The second type is Zakat al-Fitr which Muslims pay at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan before the Eid prayer.
Do you pay Zakat on loaned money?
Yes, in most cases, Zakat must be paid on loaned money because it resembles a deposit and because it is owned by you. Therefore, if the money is with someone who acknowledges the debt, Zakat is obligatory upon you, but if the person is insolvent and unable to repay, no Zakat is due upon you.
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How do we know if someone deserving Zakat is poor or needy?
Assistance can be sought from some reliable institutions or you can choose certain relatives and neighbors whom you know with certainty in your locality even if they do not persistently ask people for help because there are many dignified poor individuals who refrain from begging and they are the most deserving people to receive charity.
Can Zakat Be Given to Family?
Yes, Zakat can be given to a family member such as your brother or sister provided that the person is among the eligible recipients of Zakat and meets the conditions and importantly, they must not be among those whose financial maintenance is obligatory upon you, like your wife and children.
FAQs
Is Zakat Obligatory upon a Non-Muslim?
In various religions, individuals might perform certain charitable deeds or give voluntary donations. However, all these actions will not be accepted from them in the Islamic context because belief in Islam is a fundamental condition for the acceptance of both Sadaqah and Zakat.
Can I give Zakat to my brother?
Yes, it is possible for you to give Zakat to your brother if he has debts that he cannot repay and is among the poor Muslims who do not possess enough to cover their needs, but it is stipulated that he must not be among those whose financial support is obligatory upon you.
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Which people are not eligible for Zakat?
There exists a group of individuals exempted from the obligation of paying Zakat, namely the deprived, the poor and the needy who lack their daily sustenance, or a person burdened with numerous debts that he cannot possibly repay.
Is Zakat Al Fitr obligatory?
Yes, Zakat al-Fitr is considered obligatory upon all Muslims of various ages, young and old, as well as male and female and it is estimated at approximately 3 kilograms of staple food per individual.
How much is nisab?
The Nisab is the threshold equivalent to approximately 85 grams of gold and you can determine the current market price of gold and multiply it by 85, whereby Zakat becomes obligatory if your eligible wealth exceeds this calculated amount.
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