Recipients of Zakat (Masarif)

Whether it is zakat of sharia or zakat of dignity, the category of people who deserve it remains the same. The recipients of zakat are known as masaraf of zakat. Hence, masarif e zakat in english means those who should be given zakat or sadaqah in any form.

“Indeed sadaqah is for Fakirs, Masakeen and for Amileen (those deployed to collect zakat), those in whose hearts the inculcation of love for Islam is aimed at, and to free the captives and remove the burden of debtors and (those who toil hard) in the way of Allah and for the wayfarers. This has been prescribed by Allah. Allah, the All-Knower, the Most Wise.”(9:60)

Among the questions regarding zakat, perhaps the most common one is that how many masarif e zakat in Quran are mentioned. Hence, the above verse clearly names the eight categories of people who are entitled to receive sadaqah and zakat. Among them, Fakirs are the foremost. To understand more, we begin by describing each of them separately:

Recipient # 1 — FAKIRS

In enlightened perspective of Holy Quran, Fakir refers to the perfect Saint i.e. one who annihilates in Allah (fana fillah).

Recipient # 2 — MASAKEEN

Arabic word Masakeen is plural of Miskeen which literally means indigent. But, mystically, it refers to Saints who perpetually remain with Allah i.e. remain engrossed in remembrance of Allah. That is why, the Holy Prophet prayed;

• “O Allah! Let me live as a Miskeen, die as a Miskeen and raise me amongst the Masakeen on doomsday.” (Mishkat al-Masabih)

Recipient # 3 — AMILEEN

Amileen are the people whom an Islamic government appoints to collect zakat. Zakat can be given to them and it can be used to give their salaries as well.

Recipient # 4 — TO WIN HEARTS

Zakat can also be spent to invite the non-Muslims towards Islam and to win their heart so that they get inclined towards Islam. This category also includes giving money to support those who seek help from Islam especially the newly converts to Islam. After the battle of Hunain, the Holy Prophet gave a large amount of booty to the newly converted Muslims. When the Ansars questioned him, he said that he wanted to please their hearts as they had just entered Islam.

Recipient # 5 — TO FREE THE CAPTIVES

Sadaqat and zakat can be spent for the emancipation of slaves. Now a days, slavery is illegal but considering the context, this can be replaced with people who are undergoing imprisonment and are unable to pay the fine imposed to get freedom.

Recipient # 6 — GHARIMEEN (People under loan)

Gharimeen are those people who are under loan and are unable to pay it back. A Muslim brother can give sadaqah and zakat to return their loan. However, this is not for those who have fallen into debt out of their habit of lavish or illicit spending. As it would encourage them to take more loans and later pay back by getting sadaqah.

Recipient # 7 — FI SABILLILAH

Fi Sabillillah refers to any kind of spending in the way of Allah such as for Jihad, for inviting others to Islam, to help any Muslim, for the exaltation of religion, to spread the message of Islam, to encourage others to adopt the straight path i.e. Faqr, and any other cause whereby the intention is to spend in the way of Allah to please Him.

Recipient # 8 — TRAVELLERS

Travellers who are short of money or resources and need help are also included in the categories of people who deserve zakat or sadaqah.

Spending in the way of Allah During Ramadan

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