Those who have Right over Zakah

The Zakaah is a right of Allah, and one should not prefer those who do not have right to it over others. A person should not try to benefit in any way from it, nor should he use it to avoid some personal harm. He should not seek to protect his own wealth through it, nor should he seek to ward off any blame. Rather, what is obligatory is that a Muslim gives Zakaah to those who have right over it and deserve it and not for any ulterior motive. He should do so joyfully and sincerely for Allah in order that he is not held responsible for it and receives abundant rewards. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) clarified in His Noble Book the categories of people who have a right over the Zakaah. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) said:

“The Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa´ (poor), and the Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for 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 (i.e. for Mujaahidoon  ‐ those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All‐Knower, All‐Wise.” [Surah at‐Tawbah (9):60]

Allah reminds His servants by concluding this verse with these two Great Names of Allah, that He is All‐Knowledgeable of the conditions of His slaves; He knows who exactly deserves Zakaah and who does not. He is All‐Wise in his Legislation, Will and Measure; He does not do things except in a manner which is perfectly suitable, even if some of the secrets of His Wisdom may be unknown to some people. In this, His slaves find peace in His Legislation and also submit and surrender to His Wisdom.

We ask Allah that He grant us and the Muslims Tawfeeq in His religion, and Truthfulness in our relationship with Him, and that we race to that which pleases Him, and that He keeps us safe from those things which earn His Anger; indeed He is All‐Hearing and Near. And may the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon His slave and messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.