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Zakat

الزكاة

Obligatory charity - examining where the money goes, who benefits, and the prescribed categories of recipients.

What is Zakat?

Zakat is the obligatory annual payment of 2.5% of one's wealth above a certain threshold (nisab). It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all qualifying Muslims.

While often presented as charitable giving, zakat has specific rules about who can receive it - and some of these categories raise significant concerns.

The Eight Categories of Recipients (Quran 9:60)

1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara)

Those who have nothing or very little.

2. The Needy (Al-Masakin)

Those who have some wealth but not enough to meet their needs.

3. Zakat Collectors (Al-Amilina Alayha)

Those employed to collect and distribute zakat.

This creates an administrative class funded by the charity itself.

4. Those Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled (Al-Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum)

New converts to Islam or those considering conversion.

Zakat can be used to incentivize or solidify conversion to Islam.

5. Freeing Slaves (Fi al-Riqab)

To free slaves or captives.

Acknowledges the existence of slavery in Islamic society.

6. Debtors (Al-Gharimin)

Those in debt.

7. In the Way of Allah (Fi Sabilillah)

For the cause of Allah.

Historically interpreted to include funding jihad and military campaigns.

8. Travelers (Ibn al-Sabil)

Stranded travelers.

Concerning Aspects of Zakat

Fi Sabilillah - "In the Way of Allah"

This category has historically been interpreted to include:

  • • Funding military campaigns (jihad)
  • • Purchasing weapons and equipment for fighters
  • • Supporting families of those fighting in jihad
  • • Funding Islamic propagation (da'wah)

Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpreted this category primarily as supporting those engaged in jihad.

Non-Muslims Cannot Receive Zakat

According to the majority of Islamic scholars, zakat cannot be given to non-Muslims (except in the "hearts to be reconciled" category, which aims at conversion). This creates a two-tier charitable system where Muslims benefit from a large pool of mandatory charity that excludes non-Muslim poor.

Quranic Reference

"Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise."

— Quran 9:60

Critical Questions

  • 1.Why would true charity exclude non-Muslims from receiving help based on their faith?
  • 2.Is it ethical for mandatory "charity" to fund military activities or weapons?
  • 3.Using charity to incentivize religious conversion - is this genuine charity or a form of coercion?
  • 4.How does this compare to biblical charity which is given freely to all in need regardless of faith?