Dear Hadi,
Dear Zakat Zone,
Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a form of almsgiving treated in Islam as a religious obligation. As a practice, zakat is meant to be a way of purifying one's wealth and soul, redistributing wealth in society to reduce inequality, and providing for those in need.
With regard to who can receive zakat, the Quran in 9:60 specifies eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat: The offerings given for the sake of God are [meant] only for the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are over burdened with debts, and [for every struggle] in God's cause, and [for] the wayfarer: [this is] an ordinance from God - and God is all-knowing, wise (Quran 9:60). Let’s look at each category just a bit closer:
1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those who have little to no income and cannot meet their basic needs.
2. The Needy (Al-Masakeen): Those who are in a slightly better condition than the poor but still cannot meet their basic needs.
3. Zakat Administrators: Those who are appointed to collect, manage, and distribute zakat.
4. Those Whose Hearts are to Be Reconciled: Individuals who are new to Islam or whom the Islamic community wishes to bring closer.
5. Slaves and Captives: To free slaves and captives, helping them regain their freedom.
6. Debt-Ridden: Those burdened by overwhelming debts incurred in good faith, which through no fault of their own they cannot pay.
7. In the Cause of God: To support Islamic causes, such as building mosques, Islamic schools, or organizations working to spread Islam or aid those striving for righteous causes.
8. The Wayfarer: Travelers who are in need of assistance, while away from their homes.
The question which most often comes up is regarding zakat to various institutions, and whether this counts as “fi sabilli-illah” (in the cause of God). In general, there are several scholarly opinions that give a fairly wide latitude in that regard. Organizations doing work beneficial to the Muslim community specifically, including such things as political empowerment and education, or to society at large helping the poor, housing the homeless, etc., could definitely fall under that scope. In the end, you need to be the judge in that regard, proceeding with the comfort that your actions are by intention, and that there is no “universal list” of zakat-approved organizations.
With regard to who cannot receive zakat, the Quran implicitly indicates who cannot, by excluding them in the listed categories. Islamic scholars generally agree that zakat cannot be given to several categories:
1. The rich
2. The strong and able that are capable but unwilling to work
3. Those actively engaged against Islam
4. Lineal ascendants (parents, grandparents) and lineal descendants (children, grandchildren) as well as spouses, as their financial support is an existing obligation upon family
5. The family of the Prophet (pbuh)
The Islamic tradition of zakat is not just a means of wealth redistribution but is also a spiritual act, reflecting the giver's compassion towards others, and compliance with divine commandments. It embodies a balance between personal responsibility and societal welfare, aiming to alleviate poverty and inequality. Through the specific designations of who can and cannot receive zakat, Islam ensures that the contributions directly benefit those in genuine need and support the broader social and spiritual objectives of the Muslim community.