The Muslim Reverts Worldwide Forum – (MRWF)
Understanding Zakah: Who Pays and Who Receives
This article is written in light of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, as understood by the Salaf-us-Saliheen.
The Status of Zakah in Islam
Allah has said in the Qur’an;
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ
“And establish the prayer and give the zakah.”
Zakah is the third pillar of Islam and a fundamental act of worship. The Salaf-us-Saliheen were united that it is an obligation upon every eligible Muslim. Abu Bakr Radiyallahu anhu fought those who withheld zakah, declaring that zakah is inseparable from Salah.
Who Is Obligated to Pay Zakah
Zakah is obligatory upon every free Muslim who possesses the nisab and whose wealth has reached the completion of one lunar year, except for crops and certain assets where the year is not a condition. The Salaf held that intention is required, as zakah is worship and not merely charity.
A narration from Ali ibn Abi Talib Radiyallahu anhu Who said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Practical Guidance: Zakah is not obligatory upon wealth below the nisab, nor upon personal items such as clothing, housing, and basic transportation.
The Types of Wealth Subject to Zakah
From the wealth upon which zakah is due are gold and silver, cash, trade goods, livestock, and agricultural produce. These categories are established by clear textual evidence and were applied consistently by the Companions Radiyallahu anhum.
A narration from Ali ibn Abi Talib Radiyallahu anhu Who said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“There is no zakah on wealth until one year has passed over it.”
The Eight Categories of Zakah Recipients
As stated in the Qur’an;
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect it, and for bringing hearts together, and for freeing captives, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler.”
Allah Himself specified the recipients of zakah, leaving no room for personal preference. The Salaf strictly adhered to these categories and warned against distributing zakah outside of them, regardless of emotional appeal.
Who Is Not Eligible to Receive Zakah
Zakah may not be given to the wealthy, the able-bodied who can earn, nor to one’s direct dependents such as parents, children, or spouses. It is also impermissible to give zakah to non-Muslims, according to the consensus of the Salaf.
Practical Guidance: Voluntary charity (sadaqah) has broader eligibility, but zakah remains restricted by divine legislation.
Wisdoms and Objectives of Zakah
A narration from Abdullah ibn Abbas Radiyallahu anhu who said that the Prophet ﷺ said to Muadh ibn Jabal Radiyallahu anhu regarding da‘wah and zakah
“Take it from their wealthy and give it to their poor.”
Zakah purifies wealth and the soul, curbs greed, and strengthens communal bonds. The Salaf viewed zakah as a means of social justice rooted in obedience to Allah, not a human-devised welfare system.
Conclusion: Zakah as a Trust Before Allah
Zakah is a sacred trust and a clear sign of submission to Allah’s command. Whoever fulfills it has safeguarded his wealth and faith, while whoever neglects it exposes himself to severe accountability. The Salaf-us-Saliheen approached zakah with fear, precision, and sincerity.