Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an important part of Islamic finance. It is a mandatory charitable contribution that Muslims are required to give each year, and is intended to purify a person’s wealth and help those who are needy. However, not everyone is eligible to receive zakat. In this article, we will explore who is eligible for zakat and the criteria that must be met.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is a mandatory charitable contribution that Muslims are required to give each year. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). The word “zakat” comes from the Arabic root “z-k-w,” which means “to purify” or “to increase.”
Zakat is intended to purify a person’s wealth and help those who are needy. It is a form of social welfare that helps to ensure that wealth is distributed equitably in society. Zakat is calculated based on a person’s total wealth, including assets such as cash, property, and investments.
Who is Eligible for Zakat?
According to Islamic law, there are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat:
- The Fakir: This includes those who are unable to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
- The Needy: This includes those who have some means of support but are still in need of financial assistance.
- Zakat Collectors: These are individuals or organizations that are authorized to collect zakat on behalf of the poor and needy.
- The Indebted: This includes those who are in debt and unable to repay their debts.
- The Wayfarer: This includes travelers who are in need of financial assistance.
- Those Striving in the Way of Allah: This includes individuals who are engaged in charitable or religious activities, such as scholars and religious students.
- The Slave: This includes those who are trying to purchase their freedom from slavery.
Criteria for Eligibility
In order to be eligible to receive zakat, an individual must meet certain criteria. The most important criteria is that the individual must be in need of financial assistance. This means that they must be unable to meet their basic needs or be in debt.
In addition to financial need, there are other criteria that may be considered when determining eligibility for zakat. With the inclusion of these two:
- Religion: The individual must be Muslim in order to receive zakat.
- Income: The individual’s income must be below a certain threshold in order to qualify for zakat.
The Summary
Zakat is an important part of Islamic finance and is intended to purify a person’s wealth and help those who are needy. In order to be eligible to receive zakat, an individual must be in need of financial assistance and meet certain criteria, such as being Muslim. By fulfilling their obligation to give zakat, Muslims are able to contribute to the well-being of their community and help promote social welfare.