Who is zakat mal given to? This is a question asked by every Muslim who wants to ensure that their wealth is distributed correctly in accordance with Islamic law. Zakat mal, or zakat on wealth, is not merely a ritual performed to fulfill an obligation; zakat mal is a form of concern shown by Muslims to support the welfare of the community.
Scholar Quraish Shihab explains in one of his videos on social media that in the process of acquiring wealth, a Muslim may have committed wrongdoings. There may be bad deeds that we are not aware of in acquiring wealth. Therefore, zakat mal can help cleanse our wealth from bad deeds. Zakat mal can also purify our souls from greed for wealth.
Read also: How Zakat Became a Pillar of Islamic Civilizations Progress
To Whom Zakat Mal is Given: Eight Categories According to the Quran
To whom zakat mal is given is regulated in Surah At-Taubah verse 60, which reads, “Indeed, zakat is only for the poor, the needy, the zakat administrators, those whose hearts have been softened (mualaf), to (free) slaves, to (free) those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for travelers (who need help), as an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.”
Allah SWT clearly commands that the recipients of zakat are only for eight groups, namely
- The poor, who are people who are very deprived and do not have sufficient wealth or income to meet their basic needs.
- The needy, who are people who are deprived, have no wealth, and have no income to meet their basic needs.
- Amil zakat, namely people or institutions that are legally appointed and authorized to manage zakat funds.
- Mualaf who are in difficult economic conditions.
- Fi sabilillah those who are fighting in the way of Allah. In the past, people who fought in the way of Allah were described as people who were at war. However, contemporary scholars have expanded the meaning to include all praiseworthy and beneficial activities that spread and uphold the word of Allah. This can include seeking knowledge to become a person who benefits the community. Building religious facilities such as mosques, hospitals, or madrasas. As well as da’wah activities to spread Islam so that it can reach more people.
- The riqab group, namely slaves who want to free themselves but are unable to do so.
- Gharimin are people who are in debt and unable to pay their debts. However, it should be noted that the debt is for personal needs or for the good of many people, not a permissible debt and not a debt for immoral purposes.
- As well as ibnu sabil, namely travelers who are on a long journey but have run out of supplies. This group is entitled to receive zakat to help them complete their journey back to their place of origin.
Who is Zakat Mal Given To: The Principle of Prohibiting Giving to Those Who are Not Entitled
In the distribution process, zakat mal cannot be given to muzakki, to rich people who are still able to work, let alone to the state. Zakat can only be given to the eight asnaf.
As stated in the authentic hadith, “Two people told me that they had met the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, during the Farewell Pilgrimage, while he was distributing zakat. They both asked him for some of the zakat. Then he raised his gaze to us, then lowered it, and he saw that we were strong (able to work). He, peace be upon him, said, ‘If you two want it, then we will give it to you both. And there is no share in the zakat for the rich and those who are able to work.’” (Narrated by Ahmad, 38: 162; Abu Dawud no. 1633; An-Nasa’i, 5: 99-100; its chain of transmission is authentic).
In principle, as long as a person does not fall into one of the eight categories of zakat recipients, he is not entitled to receive zakat funds in the form of cash or benefits from social programs.
Read also: Quranic Verses on Zakat and Their Meaning for Muslims
The Commandment of Zakat Mal in the Quran and Its Practice
Islam places zakat on the same level as the prayer. These two acts of worship are the foundation that is repeatedly commanded in the Quran. Zakat and prayer are the foundation for building a just and civilized society.
Allah says, “Establish prayer and give zakat. Whatever good you do for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Seeing of what you do” (QS. Al-Baqarah verse 110).
When it was first made obligatory, the Prophet applied zakat mal extensively. Zakat became a social instrument that ensured the equitable distribution of wealth among the Muslim community. In addition to being a means of worship to bring a servant closer to Allah, zakat also became a mechanism for distributing wealth so that it would not be concentrated in the hands of a few people. During the time of the Prophet, zakat was distributed directly to eight categories of recipients (asnaf) as mentioned in the Quran, Surah At-Taubah verse 60, with a strict monitoring system to prevent misuse.
Read also: Zakat in Islamic History After the Era of the Companions
Current Management of Zakat Mal in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the concept of asnaf is still very relevant and widely applied. The poor and needy are the top priority, so that social inequality does not widen. In addition, zakat for fi sabilillah now covers funding for da’wah, Islamic education, and educational assistance for santri, orphans, and the poor. The context of riqab and musafir (ibnu sabil) can be applied in the form of support for victims of human trafficking or refugees seeking asylum.
The distribution of zakat is also manifested in social, educational, and da’wah programs that can support the welfare of the people. For example, scholarships, economic empowerment of small communities, hospital health assistance, ambulances, clinics, and so on. So that zakat funds are not only “giving fish,” but “giving fishing rods” to the eight asnaf groups, so that they can become empowered, independent, and change their social class from mustahik to muzakki.
Read also: zCan Taxes Be Replaced by Zakat? Heres the Full Explanation
Understanding “Who Should Receive Zakat Mal” Wisely
The question “who should receive zakat mal?” brings us to the core message of Islam that zakat mal is not just charity, but a social tool to create justice and blessings. A muzaki must be able to distribute zakat appropriately, namely to those who are entitled to it and in accordance with the framework of sharia. Zakat that is paid with full faith will purify wealth, strengthen brotherhood, and ensure the continuity of Islamic da’wah. May we be among those who give aid wisely.
