Zakat is far more than charity; it is the third pillar of Islam. It is an obligation that purifies your wealth and directly supports the most vulnerable members of society. Every year, millions of Muslims search for clear, trustworthy answers to the same question: “Who exactly can I give my Zakat to?” The Quran provides the definitive answer, and as Muslims, it is our duty to understand the message and fulfil our obligation.
In this detailed guide, we will walk through each of the eight categories mentioned in the Quran and explain who qualifies today in our modern context.
The Quranic Foundation: Surah At-Tawbah Verse 60
Allah says in the Quran;
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy, and to those employed to collect it, and for bringing hearts together, and for freeing captives, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the traveller; an obligation imposed by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Quran 9:60)
This verse is the only place in the Quran where Allah explicitly lists the people who are entitled to receive Zakat.
Scholars throughout history, from Imam Abu Hanifa to Imam Shafi’i, from Ibn Taymiyyah to contemporary authorities, agree that these eight categories are exhaustive. No one outside these groups can lawfully receive Zakat, no matter how heartbreaking their situation might appear.
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Al-Fuqara: The Poor
The first category is the poor, those individuals and families whose income and assets fall far below what is needed to survive with basic dignity. These are people who often have little or no regular earnings.
When you give Zakat to the poor, you are not just giving money; you are restoring hope. Your act of paying Zakat prevents Al-Fuqara from having to beg or make choices that compromise their faith and dignity.
Many reputable charities, like United Muslims, now provide monthly donations to the poor. Some charities also use your Zakat donation to help communities with regular food basket deliveries, rent assistance, and even small business start-up grants, so they can eventually stand on their own feet. This regular assistance requires regular donations from you.
Al-Masakin: The Needy
The needy are those who may have some income or a job, yet they still cannot cover their essential expenses after paying for food and shelter.
Think of the single mother working two jobs but still unable to pay for her children’s school fees, or the family hit with a huge hospital bill after an accident. These are hardworking people who are doing everything right, yet circumstances keep pushing them to the edge.
Zakat given to the needy acts as a safety net. It stops them from sliding into absolute poverty and gives them breathing room to recover from unexpected financial shocks. With inflation still affecting millions of households worldwide, this category is among the largest groups receiving Zakat.
Also Read: The Prophet’s Generosity Towards Orphans: A Legacy of Care
Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha: Zakat Administrators
Many people are surprised to learn that the people who collect and distribute Zakat can themselves be paid from Zakat funds. Without dedicated professionals, Zakat collection and distribution would collapse into chaos.
Reputable organisations today follow the prophetic example by keeping administrative costs completely separate from Zakat funds whenever possible. When they do use Zakat for administration (which is perfectly permissible), every penny is publicly accounted for, so donors know their money is handled with complete integrity.
Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum: Reconciling Hearts
This category shows the beautiful wisdom of Islam in connecting the new Muslim community with the older one. It includes new Muslims who may have lost family support after embracing Islam. This category also consists of the non-Muslims who are close to accepting the faith and need financial help to take that final step.
Today, with the intention of giving Zakat to Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum, it can be used to support refugee families who have just arrived in a new country and need help settling in. There are so many families in underdeveloped countries who are migrating to the UK and other regions to settle. Giving Zakat to those is an investment in stronger, more harmonious communities.
Ar-Riqab: Freeing Captives
Historically, this category was used to buy the freedom of slaves. While chattel slavery has been abolished, modern forms of captivity are tragically common. Victims of human trafficking, women trapped in forced marriage with huge “debts” to their traffickers, refugees held in detention centres, and prisoners of conscience jailed for their beliefs all fall under this category today.
Charities now use Zakat to pay legal fees, provide safe houses, and fund rehabilitation programmes for trafficking survivors. Every person freed through Zakat is a living example of Islam’s commitment to human dignity.
Al-Gharimin: Relieve Debt Burden
Debt can destroy lives. Islam recognises this reality and allows Zakat to be used to help people who took on debt for legitimate reasons such as medical emergencies, supporting a family after job loss, or rebuilding after a natural disaster. The key condition is that the debt must not have been incurred through wasteful or sinful spending.
When Zakat clears someone’s debt, the relief is immediate and profound. Families who are facing bankruptcy can keep their home. Small business owners can restart after failure. The psychological weight that is lifted cannot be measured in money alone.
Fi Sabilillah: In Allah’s Cause
This is one of the broadest and most inspiring categories. It includes anyone working to uplift the Muslim community or spread the message of Islam in a way that pleases Allah. Full-time Islamic scholars who have no other income, students memorising the Quran in remote areas, and humanitarian workers delivering aid in war zones. Moreover, organisations like United Muslims are working to provide education, food, and clean water in forgotten villages. All of these efforts that require monetary support are eligible for Zakat.
Nowadays, we see Zakat funding online dawah academies that reach millions who would never step inside a mosque, and supporting refugee education centres. These organisations are helping to publish accurate translations of the Quran in minority languages. Every pound given here plants seeds that will benefit generations.
Also Read: How Zakat Can Be Used to Provide for the Needy Globally
Ibnus-Sabil: Stranded Travellers
The final category is the traveller who has been cut off from their resources while away from home. In the Prophet’s time, this was usually a merchant whose caravan was robbed. Today, it includes refugees fleeing war with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Moreover, it can be given to migrant workers whose employers abandoned them in a foreign country, or students stranded abroad after a family emergency. If you find any pilgrims who run out of money far from home, they are eligible for Zakat and should be given immediate help.
Even if a person is wealthy back home, if they are temporarily destitute while travelling for a legitimate reason, they can receive Zakat until they can access their own funds again.
Ensuring Your Zakat Reaches the Right People
Now that you understand exactly who Allah has made eligible for Zakat, the next step is making sure your money actually reaches them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us severely about misusing Zakat funds or failing to fulfil our Zakat responsibilities. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread him with their feet.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 485)
Look for charities like United Muslim that have built a transparent system around your donations. We follow the 100% donation policy for Zakat and all other donations. It ensures the fulfilment of your obligation with accuracy.
Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.
Fulfil Your Zakat with Knowledge and Sincerity
When you give to any of the eight categories above with proper intention and through appropriate channels, you are participating in a divine system of justice.
Take the time this year to calculate your Zakat accurately, learn who truly deserves it according to the Quran and Sunnah, and then give generously and joyfully. The poor, the needy, the debtor, the traveller; all are waiting for the barakah that Allah has placed in your wealth.
May Allah accept your Zakat, multiply its reward, and make it a means of purification and elevation for you in this life and the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pay Zakat?
Zakat is usually paid once a lunar (Hijri) year has passed on your eligible wealth above the Nisab threshold. Many Muslims choose to pay during Ramadan for convenience and added spiritual reward, but it can be given at any time once the conditions are met.
How much Zakat should I give?
The standard rate of Zakat is 2.5% of your savings and assets that have been held for a full lunar year above the Nisab. Some assets, like gold, silver, and business inventory, have specific rules. Tools like the United Muslims Zakat Calculator can simplify the calculation.
Can Zakat be paid in advance or later?
Yes, Zakat can be paid at any time once it becomes due, but it should not be delayed unnecessarily. Paying promptly ensures that eligible recipients receive support when they need it most.
Can I give Zakat to my family members?
Yes, you can give Zakat to relatives if they fall into one of the eligible categories. The donation must fulfil the Islamic obligation of Zakat, not just serve as a family gift.
How do I calculate the right amount of Zakat?
You can use the free United Muslims Zakat Calculator to determine your Zakat accurately. It calculates the amount based on your savings, income, and eligible assets. Using the Zakat calculator ensures your donation meets Islamic requirements and reaches those in need.
Can Zakat support education or community projects?
Yes, Zakat can fund initiatives that benefit the Muslim community, including education, humanitarian projects, and efforts in the path of Allah (Fi Sabilillah).
