Zakat is one of Islam's five pillars, and it comes with specific rules about who can receive it. The Qur'an (9:60) defines eight categories of zakat recipients. Understanding these categories ensures your zakat fulfils its religious purpose while reaching those most in need.
In this guide, we explain each of the eight categories, how to identify eligible recipients, and practical examples relevant to Muslims in the UK and beyond.
The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients (Qur'an 9:60)
The Qur'an lists eight categories in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60). These were revealed to ensure zakat is distributed fairly and reaches the most vulnerable members of the community. Allah knows best, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified each category's eligibility.
Category 1: The Poor (Al-Fuqara)
Definition: Al-Fuqara are those who have very little wealth — less than the nisab threshold. They may possess some assets but not enough to meet their basic needs.
Who qualifies: A Muslim whose total qualifying wealth (cash, gold, silver, investments, business assets minus debts) is below the nisab threshold for a full lunar year.
What they receive: Zakat can cover basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, and essential household items. The amount should bring them up to the nisab level or provide meaningful support for their situation.
Examples in the UK:
- A Muslim living on benefits who cannot meet essential living costs
- A recent revert to Islam with limited financial support
- A family experiencing temporary hardship
Examples globally:
- A rural family whose crops failed and savings were depleted
- A widow with no other source of income
- A refugee family who fled with nothing
Category 2: The Needy (Al-Masakin)
Definition: Al-Masakin are similar to the poor but differ in degree. While the poor may have little, the needy have even less — they may possess absolutely nothing of value.
Who qualifies: A Muslim with no qualifying wealth at all — literally the most destitute in the community.
What they receive: Zakat provides complete support for basic needs. Some scholars distinguish between the poor (who may have small assets) and the needy (who have nothing).
Examples in the UK:
- A homeless Muslim with no bank account or assets
- A family who lost everything in a house fire with no insurance
- A refugee family with no savings or support network
Examples globally:
- A family displaced by conflict with no belongings
- An orphan with no extended family support
- Someone living in extreme poverty in a developing region
Category 3: Those Who Collect Zakat (Al-Amilina Alayha)
Definition: These are the individuals or organizations appointed to collect, manage, and distribute zakat.
Who qualifies: Islamic charity employees, volunteers, and administrators who collect and manage zakat funds. They may receive a reasonable salary for their work.
What they receive: A portion of zakat funds can be used to cover the administrative costs of collecting and distributing zakat fairly.
Examples in the UK:
- Mercy Outreach staff managing zakat distribution
- Volunteers collecting zakat at mosques
- Finance staff ensuring compliant distribution
Examples globally:
- Islamic NGO staff in developing countries
- Mosque administrators managing zakat funds
- Scholars who issue fatwas on zakat distribution
Category 4: Those Whose Hearts Need Reconciling (Al-Mu'allafati Qulubuhum)
Definition: This category includes people whose hearts are being reconciled to Islam or the Muslim community. This may include new Muslims, those at risk of leaving Islam, or those whose support strengthens the community.
Who qualifies:
- New Muslims who need financial support as they learn the faith
- Muslims whose loyalty or commitment is being tested
- Individuals whose support would strengthen the Muslim community
What they receive: Zakat can provide financial support, community connection, and resources to help them remain active in the faith.
Examples in the UK:
- New Muslims needing support as they learn Islamic practices
- Young people at risk of leaving the faith due to social pressure
- Individuals contributing to community harmony
Examples globally:
- Converts to Islam in non-Muslim majority countries
- Community leaders bridging divides
- Youth at risk of radicalisation who need positive engagement
Category 5: Those in Bondage (Fi-Riqab)
Definition: This category historically referred to slaves or captives. In modern times, it applies to those trapped in modern slavery, human trafficking, or forced labour situations who cannot free themselves.
Who qualifies:
- Victims of human trafficking
- People in forced labour situations
- Refugees or migrants held against their will
- Prisoners of war or conflict zones
What they receive: Zakat can fund legal assistance, safe passage, emergency shelter, and support to regain freedom.
Examples in the UK:
- Victims of modern slavery operations
- Trafficked persons receiving support
- Refugees detained in immigration centres
Examples globally:
- People in conflict zones held against their will
- Victims of trafficking networks
- Refugees and displaced persons without freedom of movement
Category 6: Those in Debt (Al-Gharimin)
Definition: Those who have debts they cannot repay from their own resources. The debt may be from medical emergencies, family crises, business failures, or other circumstances beyond their control.
Who qualifies:
- A Muslim with qualifying wealth above nisab but with debts that exceed their assets
- Someone who borrowed for essential needs (medical, family) and cannot repay
- A business owner whose business failed through no fault of their own
What they receive: Zakat can be used to pay off debts the person cannot manage, bringing them back to financial stability.
Examples in the UK:
- Medical bills exceeding a family's ability to pay
- Debt from family emergencies (bereavement, divorce, etc.)
- Business owners whose ventures failed
Examples globally:
- Farmers whose crops failed and they cannot repay loans
- Families facing crippling medical expenses
- Entrepreneurs whose businesses failed through circumstances beyond their control
Category 7: In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah)
Definition: This category is the most debated among scholars. Generally, it refers to activities that benefit the Muslim community or defend the faith. Scholarly opinions vary.
Who qualifies:
- Islamic education programmes and students of knowledge
- Building masjids and Islamic centres
- Supporting new Muslims learning the faith
- Da'wah and outreach work
- Defending Muslim communities from oppression
What they receive: Funding for projects that serve the wider Muslim community.
Examples in the UK:
- Islamic weekend schools and madrassahs
- New Muslim support programmes
- Masjid maintenance and development
Examples globally:
- Qur'an schools in developing regions
- Islamic library development
- Muslim community centres in non-Muslim countries
Category 8: Wayfarers (Ibn As-Sabil)
Definition: Wayfarers are travellers who are stranded and have no access to their own funds. They may be far from home, without money, and unable to continue their journey.
Who qualifies:
- Muslims travelling who have run out of money
- Students studying abroad with no access to savings
- Business travellers stranded without funds
- Refugees and migrants travelling without resources
What they receive: Zakat can provide enough to complete their journey or reach their destination safely.
Examples in the UK:
- A Muslim student whose bank card was declined while studying abroad
- A traveller stranded due to transport failure
- A Muslim migrant with no access to funds while travelling
Examples globally:
- Refugees travelling without money or documentation
- Students studying overseas with limited access to bank accounts
- Business travellers whose funds were frozen
Can I Give Zakat to My Parents, Children, or Spouse?
Short answer: No.
Religious basis: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "We do not give zakat to our parents, children, or spouses, for they are already our responsibility." (Sahih Muslim)
Reasoning: Islam designates family maintenance as the responsibility of the individual. A husband must support his wife, parents must support their children, and children must support needy parents if needed. Giving zakat within the family would circumvent this obligation.
Alternative ways to support family:
- Give sadaqah (voluntary charity) to family members in need
- Include them in your general charitable giving
- Support them through other means that are not zakat
Can I Give Zakat to Non-Muslims?
Short answer: Generally, no — but there are scholarly opinions.
Majority view: The eight categories in Qur'an 9:60 are understood to apply to Muslims, though some scholars allow giving to needy non-Muslims if it fosters goodwill or is the only way to help someone in dire need.
Modern scholarly opinions:
- Some contemporary scholars allow zakat to non-Muslims if they are in genuine need and it builds bridges of understanding
- Others maintain the classical view that zakat is for Muslims only
- When in doubt, consult a scholar you trust
Sadaqah alternative: Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need, regardless of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know who qualifies as poor or needy?
Zakat eligibility is based on total qualifying wealth compared to the nisab threshold. If someone's total wealth (assets minus debts) is below nisab, they qualify as poor or needy. Many UK Muslims ask their imam or a trusted scholar for guidance.
Can I choose which category my zakat goes to?
Yes. You can specify which category your zakat supports. Many UK donors choose categories that resonate with them — for example, giving to "those in debt" or "wayfarers." However, ensure the charity you select distributes according to your chosen category.
What if I give zakat to someone who later becomes wealthy?
If someone was genuinely eligible at the time you gave your zakat, your obligation is fulfilled regardless of their later circumstances. Zakat is based on the situation at the time of giving.
Do I need to tell someone they're receiving zakat?
It's recommended to give zakat discreetly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best charity is that given in secret, between the hand and the eye." (Sahih Bukhari) However, when giving through a charity, you may not know the specific recipient's situation.
Can I give zakat to my local mosque?
Yes, if the mosque distributes zakat according to the eight categories. Ask the mosque administration how they use zakat funds and whether they follow scholarly guidance.
What about giving zakat online?
Online giving through reputable charities is valid. Ensure the charity has scholarly oversight and can demonstrate compliant distribution. You receive a receipt for your records.
How Zakat Distribution Works
Distribution follows the eight Qur'anic categories. Scholars verify each recipient's eligibility against the categories. Funds are allocated according to Islamic principles.
A distribution process includes collection, verification of eligibility, allocation to recipients, and reporting. Each step ensures compliance with religious requirements.
[Learn about zakat distribution guidelines]
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