The eight categories of recipients named in the Qur’an, who may not receive zakat, and where scholars differ.
Allah names the recipients of zakat in the Qur’an (9:60), so they are not a matter of opinion. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ told Mu‘adh that zakat is to be taken from the wealthy and given to the poor (Sahih al-Bukhari 1395).
The eight categories
- The poor (al-fuqara) and the needy (al-masakin): those who do not have enough to meet their basic needs.
- Those employed to collect and distribute zakat.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled: for example, to strengthen the faith of those new to Islam.
- Freeing those in bondage (ar-riqab).
- Debtors (al-gharimin): those in debt who cannot repay it.
- In the cause of Allah (fi sabili Allah).
- The stranded traveller (ibn as-sabil).
Who cannot receive zakat
- Your parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren, whom you support.
- The Prophet’s family: a report in Sahih Muslim (1072) quotes the Prophet ﷺ as saying that these sadaqat are the impurities of the people and are not permissible for Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
- Those who are wealthy and do not fit any of the categories.
Key points
- Surah at-Tawbah (9:60) names eight categories of people who may receive zakat.
- The Prophet ﷺ taught that zakat is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor.
- Zakat cannot be given to your own parents or children, or to those whom you are responsible for supporting.
- Scholars differ on the limits of some categories, and on whether zakat may be given to only one category.
Qur’an
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] 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.”
Surah At-Tawbah (9) — 9:60
Hadith
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, "Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor."
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1395 .
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
Scholarly notes
The poor and the needy: scholars differ on which of the two is in greater need. In the cause of Allah: some scholars limit it to those fighting in defence, while others extend it to wider public benefit, such as education; contemporary fatwa bodies differ. Freeing those in bondage: it is discussed today in terms of freeing captives and those in forced bondage. Non-Muslims: the majority do not allow obligatory zakat to be given to non-Muslims, except that some consider them under the category of hearts to be reconciled. A spouse: the schools differ on giving zakat to one’s spouse. Distribution: the Shafi‘i school holds that zakat should be shared among all the categories that exist, while the Hanafi and Maliki schools allow giving it to one category. Follow your school or a trusted teacher.
FAQ
Can I give zakat to a relative who is poor?
Yes, in general, to relatives you are not obliged to support, such as a poor brother or sister. Giving to them can carry the reward of both charity and keeping family ties, but this is discussed by scholars.
Can I build a mosque with zakat?
Scholars differ. Many say no, since a building is not a person in need, while some contemporary scholars allow it under the category “in the cause of Allah”. Ask your local scholar.
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