Who qualifies to receive your Zakāt? The eight categories

Zakāt is not charity given wherever one wishes, the Qur’an names exactly who may receive it. In Sūrat al-Tawbah (9:60), Allah specifies eight categories of eligible recipients (aṣnāf). Giving your Zakāt to someone outside these categories does not discharge the obligation, so it is worth knowing them well.

1. The poor (al-fuqarāʾ)

Those who have little to no wealth or income and cannot meet their basic needs. They are the first and most emphasised recipients.

2. The needy (al-masākīn)

Those whose means do not cover their essential needs, even if they have some. Scholars differ on the precise line between the poor and the needy; both describe people living below sufficiency.

3. Administrators of Zakāt (al-ʿāmilūn ʿalayhā)

Those appointed to collect and distribute Zakāt may be paid from it for their work, even if not themselves poor. Today this can include the legitimate operational costs of trustworthy Zakāt institutions, within limits.

4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-muʾallafa qulūbuhum)

New Muslims, or those whose support benefits the community, may be given Zakāt to strengthen faith or goodwill. Scholars differ on how broadly this applies today.

5. Freeing those in bondage (fī al-riqāb)

Classically, freeing slaves or helping captives purchase their freedom. Contemporary scholars extend the principle to freeing people from unjust captivity where applicable.

6. Those burdened by debt (al-ghārimūn)

People who have fallen into debt they cannot repay, whether for their own basic needs or for reconciling between people, may receive Zakāt to clear it. The debt should be lawful and not the result of extravagance.

7. In the cause of Allah (fī sabīlillāh)

Classically, those striving in the path of Allah. Many scholars include beneficial religious and communal efforts; the scope is debated, so follow qualified guidance for your context.

8. The stranded traveller (ibn al-sabīl)

A traveller cut off from their wealth, lacking the means to continue or return home, may receive Zakāt even if wealthy back home.

Who cannot receive your Zakāt

Zakāt generally cannot go to those you are already obliged to support (your spouse, children, or parents), since that is a separate duty. It is also not given to the wealthy (outside the categories above), and, in the view of many scholars, not to the family of the Prophet ﷺ (Banū Hāshim). Zakāt al-Māl is for Muslims; voluntary charity (ṣadaqa) may be given more broadly.

Local or global?

Many scholars hold Zakāt should first benefit the needy in your own community; others permit sending it where the need is greatest. Both views are held. Give according to the guidance you follow, through trustworthy, transparent channels.

A note on intention

Zakāt must be given with the intention (niyya) that it is Zakāt. Giving to an eligible person or a reputable Zakāt fund with that intention fulfils the obligation.