To whom should one give zakat on one’s income? Can it be given to one’s own family or relatives who are in need of help?
To answer this question, we need to go back to the law of zakat as laid down by Allah Swt in the Qur’an. To whom zakat should be distributed is clearly written in the Qur’an surah At-Taubah verse 60:
“Indeed, the zakat is only for the poor, the administrators of the zakat, the persuaded converts, the slaves, the debtors, those who are in debt, those who fight in the cause of Allah, and those who are traveling, as a decree from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.”
8 Classes of Zakat Recipients
Based on the above verse, Allah has determined that zakat is given to 8 groups of people. Among others, the poor, amil zakat, converts, slaves, gharimin (debtors), fi sabilillah, and travelers. In order not to misunderstand the eight groups above, here is a more detailed explanation:
1. Fakir
Fakir is a group of people who do not have jobs, income, or wealth. He has difficulty, even unable to support himself. However, if someone is still physically fresh, does not work nor earn income because he is lazy and does not want to try, then he is not included in the fakir group.
2. Poor
Poor are people who earn money, have worked according to their abilities and are not lazy, but the money they make is still not enough to meet their daily needs. Someone who is included in this group is those who have tried their best, but their living conditions have not changed.
3. Amil Zakat
Amil zakat is responsible for ensuring that zakat funds are managed and distributed properly and on target. Amil are people who dedicate their time and energy to collect, manage, and distribute zakat. Nowadays, amils work as professionally as doctors, teachers, or engineers. This is because the management and distribution of zakat is very complex with various social problems.
4. Mualaf
Mualaf is a person who has just embraced Islam. People in this group have a need to adapt to Islam. For that reason, zakat may be given to them, especially converts who experience economic difficulties. Zakat can also be a connection between them and their fellow Muslims.
5. Riqab (slaves)
Riqab is a group of people who want to free themselves from slavery. Zakat can help them to be free. At present, riqab are those who face repression and helplessness, such as victims of human trafficking, exploited migrant workers, child laborers and so on. Zakat can be used to help them get free from the bondage of injustice.
6. Gharim
Gharim are people who are in debt to fulfill their daily needs, not for consumptive goods. For example, students who cannot redeem their diplomas because they cannot afford the school fees or people who are forced to borrow money from loan sharks for quick loans with high interest rates.
7. Fi sabilillah
Fi sabilillah are those who fight in the way of Allah. They are religious leaders, religious broadcasters, preachers, and so on. People who strive in the way of Allah mean that they devote most of their time and energy to spreading the religion of Allah. Fi sabilillah can mean preachers who preach across the country, people who uphold Islam and humanitarian missions framed in Islam.
8. Musafir
Musafirs are people who travel long distances, then in the middle of their journey they run out of money. These travelers are of course those who travel for good purposes. Not for something forbidden by Allah.
Who should Zakat on Income be given to?
Based on the previous explanation, it is clear that income zakat should be given to the eight groups of people above. Then what about people who give income zakat to their families or relatives who are in need? You can get a complete answer in the article The Law of Distributing Zakat to Family and Relatives.
If you still want to distribute income zakat to family or relatives, it is allowed. However, you must be able to ensure that the family you give zakat to is included in the 8 groups discussed earlier. If so, make sure you also distribute the zakat according to the adab. This is the procedure for distributing zakat to family or relatives:
Intention for the sake of Allah Swt
Every action is not only seen from the form, but also the intention. For example, you pay a large amount of zakat, then the value of your zakat is publicized, and you always bring it up. In that case, your intention is wrong. If you intend zakat for the sake of Allah, after doing it you will forget about it and not show it to people.
Deliver the Zakat Akad
Friends, when you distribute zakat to your family, you need to convey to them that the assistance you provide is zakat funds. You give this zakat to help their condition, not as a debt or responsibility to them.
Not to Pry
After distributing zakat to your family, you are not allowed to bring it up. If you bring it up, then your intention has changed, no longer sincere for the sake of Allah. In addition, continuing to discuss zakat has the potential to hurt the feelings of the family members you have helped. By not bringing it up, you can also maintain your relationship with your family.
Before distributing your income zakat, first know who is obliged to pay income zakat and also how to calculate the correct zakat according to Islam, so that your worship is more afdhal.
Negative Effects of Distributing Zakat to Family
Distributing zakat to your family or closest relatives may seem like a good choice. But in fact, there are a number of drawbacks that you need to reconsider. First, keep in mind that the main principle of zakat is to help people who are truly in need. By giving zakat to your family, there is a risk that your zakat will not have a significant impact in reducing poverty. In fact, that is the main purpose of zakat.
Secondly, distributing zakat to family or relatives can create conflicts of interest and injustice within the family. This could lead to jealousy or dissatisfaction in other family members who do not receive assistance. Also, it can lead to disputes about who is actually more deserving of the zakat. In addition, if zakat is given directly to the family, there is a possibility that it may not be used for Shariah-compliant purposes. Such as meeting basic needs or investing in education and health.
Considering these factors, it would be wise for us to consider channeling zakat through a trusted institution that has proven to be professional and trustworthy. That way, zakat will be managed effectively, so that it can be channeled to people who are truly entitled and right on target. (Dompet Dhuafa)
