Why paying Zakat in the UK
Many Muslims wonder why they should prioritise distributing Zakat in the UK rather than sending it all abroad. While global need is vast, supporting our local community is a prophetic priority that tackles poverty on our own doorstep. In this guide, we explore the importance of local distribution and who is eligible to receive these funds.
Debunking the Myth of Poverty in the West
“There is no poverty in the UK! This is a rich country!”
These are statements, which are frequently echoed in many circles within our Muslim community.
In fact, this comforting narrative collapses under closer scrutiny. The reality is far more complex— it demands that we confront, rather than overlook, what has been unfolding silently on the ground.
Why?
We should pay Zakat in the UK because the main categories of recipients live within our local community.
Secondly, most scholars agree that we should distribute Zakat locally.
Therefore, we must prioritise eligible recipients present within the community where we reside as they can see the wealth of the rich around them.
“Needy Muslims should be able to see the wealth of the rich Muslims and should be able to receive their portion of Zakat”. (Sheikh Fawzan)
Who are the Fuqarah
The “AL FAQIR” 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. In the UK, this category includes anyone who is unemployed and forbidden from working. Additionally, it covers those with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Furthermore, those who are eligible to take employment in the UK but who are not entitled to public funds and genuinely struggle to find work usually fall into this category.
Who are the Masakin
The “AL MISKIN” 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. They could be people who receive state benefits but due to the benefit cap or due to rising living costs or due to personal circumstances struggle to make ends meet.
Who are the muallafatul Quloob ?
Scholars translate Mu’allafatul quloob as “the sympathisers”.
In the UK, they could be:
- The Muslim youth
- The reverts
- Muslims whose faith needs to be strengthened.
Those who we hope will increase in their faith by receiving Zakat. This category includes new Muslims (reverts) or men who have weak eemaan, who neglect their prayers, their sadaqa, their zakat, hajj, fast, etc…
The Jumhoor (Hanbali, Shafi’i and Hanafi madhab) agree that the mu’allafatul quloob category still exists today. This group includes those who we hope will embrace Islam, those who reverted to Islam and those who we think will be strengthened in their faith by receiving zakat as Allah’s messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) gave Zakat to certain tribes who were new in Islam to strengthen their faith. (Sharh al Mumti’ ‘ala Zaad Al Mustaqni’ vol 6 page 226/229 and see Bidaayatul Mujtahid).
Supporting Reverts and Strengthening Faith
“Giving Zakat funds to a man who does not pray in order to soften his heart Maybe Allah will guide him as he is from the sympathisers/mu’allafatul quloob.
Why?
If you give him on the basis that he is from your relatives or for any similar reason this is possible but, you must give him with the intention of softening his heart. However, if this man is known for his anger towards Islam and towards the Muslims, it is not permissible to give out Zakat funds to him and Allah’s refuge is sought.”
Shaikh Muqbel Ijaabatus Saa’il ‘ala ahammil masaa’il, Question 43, page 118
The Benefits of Paying Zakat Locally in the UK
Historically, Zakat was intended to support the immediate community where wealth was earned.
By focusing on local distribution, you can directly address the unique challenges faced by the UK Muslim community today.
1. Compliance with Shari’ah Principles
Most Islamic schools of thought (Madhhabs) emphasize that Zakat distribution should begin at home. Therefore, many scholars argue that it is a religious priority to support the needy in your own city before transferring funds abroad.
Hanafi View: It is generally Makruh (disliked) to send Zakat elsewhere unless a greater need exists elsewhere.
Other Schools: The Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools largely maintain that Zakat must remain local if eligible recipients are present.
2. Tackling the "Cost of Living" Crisis
One of the most immediate benefits of paying Zakat locally in the UK is the ability to provide a safety net for those affected by inflation and rising energy costs. Poverty in the UK is often “invisible” but deeply impactful.
Local Zakat helps specific vulnerable groups, including:
The Debt-Ridden: Families struggling with high-interest debt or rent arrears.
The Homeless: Individuals who lack a stable environment to practice their faith.
New Muslims: Reverts who may face financial hardship or isolation after embracing Islam.
3. Strengthening the British Muslim Infrastructure
When Zakat stays in the UK, it acts as a form of social investment. It empowers local institutions to build long-term solutions rather than just providing short-term relief.
Self-Sufficiency: Local programs often include vocational training, helping recipients transition from being Zakat receivers to Zakat payers.
Community Cohesion: Supporting your neighbours foster a sense of belonging and mutual care, which strengthens the fabric of the Ummah in the UK.
4. Enhanced Transparency and Impact
Transparency is a major factor when choosing where to donate. Because you live in the same economic environment as the recipients, you can witness the impact of your contribution firsthand.
| Benefit Category | Impact of Local Zakat |
| Speed | Rapid response to local emergencies (e.g., eviction). |
| Vetting | Local charities can verify needs more accurately. |
| Accountability | Easier for donors to track how funds are utilised. |
Beyond your obligatory charity, you can also support our Winter Assistance program to help the elderly and vulnerable during the coldest months
Resources
Scholarly Rulings on Delayed and Local Zakat
Global Context: Migration and Zakat Priority
The one who didn’t pay Zakat for several years
Translation:
The presenter read the question: I didn’t know that paying Zakat was an obligation upon me and I delayed its payment for several years. I was recently informed that I needed to pay it. I estimated that the period for not paying Zakat was 10 years. Should I pay it now?
Shaikh Fawzan replied:
Yes, because Zakat is a pillar from the pillars of Islam. It is wajib to calculate it accurately and to pay it straight away. It is important to do it without delay according to your ability.
You might not be able to pay the full amount at once. In that case, you can pay it gradually until you pay off the debt in full.
The ruling regarding transferring Zakat funds to another land
Translation:
Is it permissible to transfer Zakat funds from a country to another?
Shaikh Fawzan replied:
It depends on the needs. If the country where you collect Zakat has no needy people, or if there are no Muslims residing in that country, then Zakat funds are transferred to the country where there are needy Muslims. This is also the case if the country where Zakat funds are transferred is poorer and the people are more needy. However, if the country where Zakat funds are levied has poor and needy Muslims, they have priority, based on the hadeeth: “Take from the rich among them and distribute to the fuqarah among them.” The fuqarah in the country where Zakat funds are levied see this wealth and hope that they will receive some of it. If you take this wealth from them, deprivation will harm them.
The ruling regarding the inability to migrate to a Muslim land
Translation:
Nowadays, immigration regulations restrict migration to Muslim countries. Is it still an obligation to migrate to a Muslim land?
Shaikh Fawzan replied:
As I said in the past, the one who can’t migrate due to these immigration regulations is excused until these regulations are removed. One should try as much as they can. They should not be lazy and do nothing. They should try to migrate.
The ruling regarding the obligation to migrate to a Muslim land
Donate Zakat via bank transfer
Account name: Subulus Salaam
SC: 40-03-03
Acc: 81650521