Islamic giving
Who can receive Zakat? The eight categories
The Qur’an names eight groups who can receive Zakat, including the poor, the needy and people in debt. You cannot give your Zakat to your parents, children or spouse.
Zakat can be given to eight groups named in Qur’an 9:60: the poor, the needy, Zakat workers, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing people from bondage, people in debt, those in the cause of Allah, and stranded travellers. It cannot go to your parents, children or spouse.
Who is allowed to receive Zakat?
Eight groups are named in the Qur’an. In chapter 9, verse 60, Allah lists them clearly. Zakat can only be spent on these groups.
In practice, most Zakat today goes to the poor, the needy and people in debt. If you are new to Zakat, start with Zakat in Kenya.
| No. | Category | Who they are | Simple example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The poor (fuqara) | People who have very little, less than they need for basic living | A widow with no income and hungry children |
| 2 | The needy (masakin) | People who have some income but not enough for their needs | A casual labourer whose pay does not cover rent and food |
| 3 | Zakat workers (amilin) | People appointed to collect and distribute Zakat | Staff of a trusted Zakat fund, paid for that work |
| 4 | Those whose hearts are to be reconciled | People whom kindness may bring closer to Islam or to the Muslim community | Scholars differ on how this applies today |
| 5 | Freeing people from bondage (riqab) | Freeing slaves or captives | Scholars differ on modern uses, such as freeing prisoners held for ransom |
| 6 | People in debt (gharimin) | People who owe a debt they cannot pay, for a lawful need | A family that borrowed for medical bills and cannot repay |
| 7 | In the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah) | Work for the sake of Allah; its exact scope differs between scholars | Ask your scholar before giving under this category |
| 8 | Travellers in need (ibn al-sabil) | People far from home who have run out of money | A traveller robbed on the road with no way to get home |
Scholars differ on how categories 4, 5 and 7 apply today. If you want to give under these, ask your local scholar.
What is the difference between the poor and the needy?
Both groups are in hardship. The poor have almost nothing. The needy have something, but it does not cover their basic needs.
Scholars explain this in slightly different ways, and the two groups are treated as one for practical giving. What matters is that the person cannot meet their basic needs: food, shelter, clothing and medical care. They do not own wealth above the nisab.
Who cannot receive Zakat?
Zakat cannot be given to people you must already support, to the rich, or to the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is the usual view among scholars.
| Who | Reason |
|---|---|
| Your parents and grandparents | You are responsible for supporting them, so Zakat cannot be used for this |
| Your children and grandchildren | The same reason, you must support them yourself |
| Your husband or wife | Support between spouses is already a duty (scholars differ on a wife giving to her husband, so ask) |
| People who are not in need | Zakat is for those who qualify, not for the rich |
| The family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) | Most scholars say they cannot receive Zakat |
You can give Zakat to other poor relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Giving to relatives is also a good deed, and many scholars say it carries a double reward: the reward of charity and the reward of keeping family ties.
How do I know if someone qualifies?
You do not have to investigate deeply. Judge by what you can see, ask politely and give with a good intention. If you later learn that the person did not qualify, many scholars say your effort counts. Ask your local scholar for your case.
- Look at their situation. Do they have enough food, shelter and basic needs?
- Ask a trusted local person such as an imam or community elder.
- Give with a pure intention that it is Zakat. You should make the intention when you give.
Can I give Zakat to build a mosque or a school?
Many scholars say that Zakat must be given to people in the eight categories, not used for buildings. Building and running a mosque or school is better paid from Sadaqah.
Some scholars allow it under “in the cause of Allah”, and some allow Zakat to pay school fees for poor students. The views differ, so ask your local scholar. Read about voluntary giving in Sadaqah in Islam.
Can Zakat be given to non-Muslims?
Most scholars say that Zakat should be given to Muslims, except for the category of those whose hearts are to be reconciled and for Zakat workers in some views. Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need, whatever their faith.
Some scholars take a wider view in particular situations. Follow the guidance of your local scholar for your case.
Is it better to give directly or through a charity?
Both are valid. Giving directly lets you know the person. Giving through a trusted organisation helps your Zakat reach people you could not reach yourself, such as families in far away towns or in a disaster.
In Kenya, check that the charity is registered with the Kenya NGO Board and has a clear Zakat fund. You can ask how Zakat is kept separate from other funds.
How can I give my Zakat through Islamic Relief Kenya?
Use the donation page and choose the ZAKAT fund. You can pay by card or M-Pesa. You can also use Lipa na M-Pesa: PayBill 949210, account name ZAKAT.
Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).
Frequently asked questions
Who can receive Zakat?
Zakat can be given to eight groups named in Qur’an 9:60: the poor, the needy, Zakat workers, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing people from bondage, people in debt, those in the cause of Allah and stranded travellers.
Can I give Zakat to my parents?
No. You must support your parents and grandparents yourself, so Zakat cannot be used for this. You may give them Sadaqah or gifts. Zakat can go to other poor relatives such as siblings.
Can I give Zakat to my children or spouse?
No. You are already responsible for the support of your children and spouse, so you cannot give them your Zakat. Scholars differ on a wife giving to a poor husband, so ask your local scholar.
Can I give Zakat to poor relatives?
Yes, if they are in need and are not people you must support. Many scholars say this has a double reward, for charity and for keeping family ties.
What is the difference between the poor and the needy?
The poor have almost nothing. The needy have some income but it does not cover basic needs. Both can receive Zakat, and what matters is that the person cannot meet their basic needs.
Can Zakat be used to build a mosque?
Many scholars say Zakat is for the eight categories of people, so buildings should be funded from Sadaqah. A few scholars allow some projects under “in the cause of Allah”. Ask your local scholar.
Can I give Zakat to a non-Muslim?
Most scholars say Zakat should go to Muslims in need, with limited exceptions. Sadaqah can be given to any person in need. Ask your local scholar if you have a particular case.
Who are Zakat workers (amilin)?
They are people appointed to collect, store and distribute Zakat. They can be paid from Zakat for this work, even if they are not poor, because they serve the Zakat system.
Can I give Zakat through a charity?
Yes. Many scholars allow giving Zakat through a trusted organisation that will give it to eligible people. Check that the organisation is registered and has a clear Zakat fund.
Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
Turn knowledge into giving
Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.