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Can You Give Zakat to Non-Muslims?

The obligatory charity is called Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam and it purifies wealth and restores a balance to society. Not only is it a financial obligation but also a spiritual one, a duty of compassion, justice and responsibility towards the needy.

One of the questions that most Muslims raise is: Can one pay Zakat to non-Muslims? The solution lies in understanding the rules and principles of the Quran, the views of scholars, and the distinction between Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam.

Understanding Zakat Eligibility Criteria

Zakat is not only supposed to help certain categories of individuals according to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60) where Allah says:

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy, for those employed to collect it, for bringing hearts together [for Islam], for freeing captives or slaves, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler, an obligation imposed by Allah.”

Based on this verse, eight groups of qualified beneficiaries were developed by scholars. Zakat is traditionally given to Muslims who belong to the following categories, in particular, to the poor and needy.

These eight categories are as follows:

  1. The Poor
  2. The Needy and Destitute
  3. Those Employed to Collect or Administer Zakat
  4. To Attract the Hearts of Those Inclined Towards Islam (new Muslims or those considering Islam)
  5. For Freeing Slaves
  6. Those in Debt
  7. For Allah’s Cause
  8. Needy Travellers
Zakat
Zakat

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Are Non-Muslims eligible to receive Zakat?

The majority of scholars (Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Maliki schools) agree that Zakat is meant for Muslims only. They justify this by the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) practice of giving Zakat primarily within the Muslim community. But there is a special category given in the same verse, "those whose hearts are to be reconciled" (al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum). That shows Zakat can be given to non-Muslim in certain conditions and this was part of early Islamic History. The Conditions are :

  • New Muslims, to reinforce their religion.
  • To those who are considering accepting Islam in the future
  • Sympathetic non-Muslims, in order to advance peace and discourage war.

Also, some scholars, including certain Hanbali jurists and early Islamic authorities, believed that Zakat may be given to non-Muslims if it will lead their hearts towards Islam or create peace and understanding.

Difference between Zakat and Sadaqah when helping non-Muslims.

The difference between Zakat and Sadaqah is:

  • Zakat is compulsory and the eligibility conditions are very strict.
  • Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is voluntary and can be offered to anyone including non-Muslims. Islam teaches Muslims to be kind, empathetic, and generous to everyone irrespective of their religion.

“Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.”
(Qur’an Surah Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)

Can Zakat Be Given to Non-Muslims in Times of Humanitarian Need?

In the modern world, certain Islamic scholars and associations have the opinion that Zakat can be directed towards non-Muslim during humanitarian crises like for disaster relief, poverty eradication or dawah activities.

As an example, during times of natural calamity or community peace initiatives, Zakat payment to non-Muslims may indicate the Islamic teachings of mercy and compassion. Yet, this explanation is conditional and situational, and it is advisable to involve and consult knowledgeable scholars or local religious authorities.

Conclusion

Overall, Zakat should be provided to Muslims, although non-Muslims can receive Sadaqah and other types of charities freely.

The broader message that Islam gives is empathy, togetherness, and social justice, irrespective of religion.

By knowing the purpose of Zakat, Muslims would be able to pay their duty in such a manner that would be able to assist the needy and also honor the spirit of Islam which is mercy to all the people of mankind.

Give your Zakat through Al Mustafa Welfare Trust and fulfill your obligation to help those in need by transforming their lives with your generosity today.

Zakat
Zakat

At Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, we take pride in our 100% Z...

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