Introduction
Shariah strictly defines who is eligible to receive Zakat. Giving Zakat to ineligible individuals or causes invalidates the worship, requiring it to be repaid.
In Fatawa Razawiyyah (Volume 10 - Masarif-uz-Zakat) and Bahar-e-Shariat (Part 5), Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله عليه) details the eight categories of recipients specified by Almighty Allah in the Holy Quran.
Section 1: The 8 Quranic Categories (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
Almighty Allah states:
"إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ" "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect [zakat], for bringing hearts together [for Islam], for freeing captives, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." — Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)
Check Today's Prayer Times & Local Masjids
Find accurate Azan timings, Friday Jummah schedules, and verified local masjids near you on Salah Live.
Section 2: Detailed Hanafi Explanation of Categories
1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara - الْفُقَرَاء)
A Faqeer in Hanafi Fiqh is a person who possesses some wealth or income, but their total net assets are below the Nisab threshold.
2. The Needy / Destitute (Al-Masakeen - الْمَسَاكِين)
A Miskeen is a person who possesses nothing at all and relies on others for basic daily survival.
3. Zakat Collectors (Al-'Amilina 'Alayha - الْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا)
Official collectors appointed by an established Islamic government/state authority.
4. Reconciling Hearts (Al-Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum)
This category is considered abrogated/obsolete in Hanafi consensus after the strengthening of Islam.
5. Freeing Captives (Fir-Riqab - فِي الرِّقَاب)
Assisting slaves in buying their freedom (historically ended).
6. Debtors Overwhelmed by Debt (Al-Gharimun - الْغَارِمِين)
Persons who carry heavy debts that exceed their total assets, leaving them below Nisab after debt.
7. In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah - فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّه)
In Hanafi Fiqh (Fatawa Razawiyyah, Vol. 10), Fi Sabilillah refers to needy individuals engaged in legitimate Islamic struggle/defense, or needy, destitute seekers of sacred Islamic knowledge who lack funds.
8. Stranded Travelers (Ibn-us-Sabil - ابْنِ السَّبِيل)
A traveler who has become stranded without access to money during journey, even if wealthy at home.
Section 3: Giving Zakat to Poor Relatives
Giving Zakat to eligible poor relatives (brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws) is highly praised in Shariah, carrying a double spiritual reward: the reward of discharging Zakat plus the reward of upholding family ties (Silat-ur-Rahim).
Aala Hazrat & Hanafi Scholarly References
- Fatawa Razawiyyah (فتاویٰ رضویہ): Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله عليه), Volume 10, Masarif-uz-Zakat, Pages 260–310.
- Bahar-e-Shariat (بہارِ شریعت): Sadr-ush-Shari'ah Allama Mufti Amjad Ali Aazmi (رحمه الله عليه), Part 5.
Check Today's Prayer Times & Local Masjids
Find accurate Azan timings, Friday Jummah schedules, and verified local masjids near you on Salah Live.