Who qualifies to receive Zakat?
“As-Sadaqat (here means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara and Al-Masakin and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” (Surah Tawbah, verse 60)
There is a consensus among the scholars of the past which states that only these eight categories of people are eligible to receive Zakat.
The Gharim or Debtor
There are two types of people who can be in debt.
1. People who incurred debts due to their effort of reconciliation between two differing parties.
2. People who owe money to a creditor due to personal needs. They borrowed money for their own personal needs. Zakat money is used to pay off debts but these people are not living in luxury, they are living a normal life. For example, someone who reached a state of insolvency due to job loss, incurred debts by being allowed credit for the bare essentials.
The Masakin
This category refers to people who for instance, may have a job, a house and a car, but their income is below the minimum requirement. Scholars mention that their earnings cover half of their annual expenses or more but fall below the minimum requirements to cover their total annual expenses.
The Fuqarah
This category refers to people who can’t provide for themselves, who can’t cover their needs and the needs of their dependents in term of food, drink, clothes and dwelling. They either do not earn anything or their earnings cover less than half of their annual expenses. They are given what suffices them to cover their needs based on their annual expenses.