The Eight Categories of Asnaf: Who Qualifies for Zakat Distribution? 

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory charitable contribution that purifies wealth and benefits those in need.  

In the Quran, Allah said: “Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it¹ and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and the cause of Allāh and the [stranded] traveller – an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise (At-Taubah: 60) 

This article explores the eight categories of Asnaf, the designated recipients of Zakat distribution, ensuring your Zakat reaches those who deserve it most.  

1. Poor and Needy (al-Fuqara and al-Masakin) 

Zakat, a mandatory act of charity, is given to help those struggling financially and eliminate poverty within the Muslim community (ummah). A renowned Quran interpreter, al-Tabari, clarifies the distinction between two recipient categories: fuqara and masakin. Fuqara are people in need who, despite their circumstances, can still strive towards self-sufficiency. Masakin, on the other hand, are those who rely on begging due to their extreme hardship. While Zakat empowers the less fortunate, there’s a potential downside. Some may become reliant on this charity, neglecting efforts to improve their situation. This raises a concern about striking a balance between helping those in need and encouraging self-reliance. 

However, a man who is healthy and physically fit has not been given the right to beg, except under special circumstances. According to the Quran, the commendable quality of the genuine fuqra is that: “They do not beg of men importunately” (al-Baqarah:273). Because of the healthy system of the distribution of wealth which Islam has instituted utilizing these injunctions, our history offers instances of a state of society where one sought in vain a man who would accept charity. 

Also Read:
Implementation of The Zakat System in The Modern Era
Practical Guide to Zakat Fitrah 

2. The Administration of Zajat (Amil) 

The third group who can receive Zakat are the “zakat workers” who handle everything related to Zakat. This includes collecting the money, keeping track of it, and giving it out to those who deserve it. However, this doesn’t include someone who just collects Zakat for one or two rich people to keep for themselves. People who work on Zakat distribution should volunteer their time honestly and faithfully. If they cannot, they should be paid or rewarded for their time.  

In a hadith related by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “A trustworthy Muslim executor is the one who executes completely what has been entrusted to him of zakat money in good faith” (hadith narrated by al-Bukhari). 

3. Those Whose Hearts are Made to Incline to Islam (Muallaf) 

Muallaf are people whose hearts are inclined to Islam or whose belief in Islam is expected to increase. It can also mean people who have bad intentions towards Muslims which is to be prevented, or people who are expected to benefit by helping Muslims from their enemies. Several groups of people are qualified as muallaf: 

• People who or whose groups or families wish to be Muslim 
• People who are worried to do crime if not helped 
• People who just become Muslim 
• Muslims who live in fortresses or front of the enemy line. 
• Muslims who need help in enforcing the collection of zakat from reluctant people 

4. The Ransoming of Slaves (Riqab) 

There are two paths to freeing slaves. The first involves assisting Mukatab. These are slaves who have a formal agreement with their owners. They can earn their freedom by paying a set amount of money. The second method involves purchasing slaves and then granting them their freedom. This can be done using your own Zakat (charity) or Zakat collected by the government. 

Also Read:
The Urgency of Maintaining the Spirit of Worship Until the End of Ramadan 
Guide to I’tikaf in the Month of Ramadan: Seclusion in Obedience 

5. Those who are in debt (Gharimin) 

According to Ibn al-Hummam in al-Fath, gharimin are debtors who are trapped with their liabilities to fulfil their basic needs. Madhab Imam al-shafii argued that this asnaf deserve to be given zakat to pay their liabilities with some preconditions, which are: they have no wealth to pay their liabilities, they don’t perform sin or illegal activities, the payment of liabilities has reached its due date.  

They deserve to get the amount of zakat which is as much as their liabilities. But if the creditors release them from their obligation to pay the liabilities, they have to give the share of zakat back to Islam. 

Also Read:
Tips Budgeting Keluarga untuk Menunaikan Pembayaran Zakat 
Memaksimalkan Potensi Zakat

6. For the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah) 

Fi Sabilillah means one who strives in the case of Allah for the betterment of the community. Fi sabilillah encompasses all good matters, especially those that strive to strengthen the religion of Allah. Tafsir al-Manar explained that zakat for this asnaf can be used for the public benefit (maslahah of ummah) with regards to the establishment of ‘aqidah of ummah (Muhammad Rashid Rida, 1898) 

Also Read:
Akhlaq Lessons from Ramadan Fasting
Hati-hati Zakat kita salah sasaran!

7. Those who are Stranded during a Journey (Ibn Sabil) 

According to the majority of the jurists (jumhur al-ulama) Ibn Sabil is an expression for Musafir. Musafir are people who are travelling. Although an Ibnu Sabil has a means of living, he can receive zakat if he has trouble accessing his means during travelling. Zakat money cannot be used to pay off other obligations, such as giving zakat money to people you are obligated to take care of by law; or zakat money cannot be used to pay for hotel and food expenses. 

In conclusion, zakat in Islam is given to eight different groups of people who need help, such as the poor, those in debt, and travellers. It’s meant to bring people together, make things fair, and help communities grow. By following the rules in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, zakat can be a big help to those who need it most. Understanding who needs zakat and making sure it’s used properly is important to make a positive impact in society. 

Also Read:
Pengertian dan Ketentuan Zakat Fitrah
Perbedaan Zakat, Infaq, Sedekah dan Waqaf

References 

Shafii, Z., Mohd. Yusoff, Z., & Noh, S. M. Y. (2013). Islamic Financial Planning & Wealth Management. IBFIM.  

Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (2009). Islamic Financial Planning: A Brief Introduction. Kuala Lumpur: FPAM.