Who Can Receive Zakat?
The Quran specifies exactly eight categories of people who may receive Zakat — in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60). Zakat cannot be given outside these categories.
"Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] 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] traveller — an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise."
— Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60The eight categories
Muslims who possess some means but whose income falls significantly below what is needed for basic living. They have some wealth but not enough to meet their essential needs.
Example: A family whose breadwinner earns a low wage and cannot cover food, rent, and basic necessities without assistance.
Those in a state of absolute poverty — worse off than Al-Fuqara. They have little or nothing at all and are in critical need.
Example: Refugees, the homeless, or families displaced by disaster or conflict with no income and no assets.
Those employed to collect, distribute, and administer Zakat funds. They may receive a portion of Zakat for their work even if they are not otherwise in need.
Example: Staff at a legitimate Zakat-distributing charity. World Aid Network covers admin costs from Gift Aid — not from Zakat funds.
Those who are new to Islam, or non-Muslims whose goodwill towards Muslims is being cultivated, or Muslims whose faith is weak and needs strengthening. This category is interpreted differently by contemporary scholars.
Example: New Muslims who face financial hardship as a result of their conversion (family estrangement, job loss).
Historically used to free enslaved people. Contemporary scholars extend this to include those in situations of modern slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking.
Example: Contemporary charities use this category to support survivors of trafficking and forced labour.
Muslims burdened with debt who borrowed for legitimate, permissible purposes (not for sin) and cannot repay. Zakat helps pay off their debt.
Example: Someone who borrowed money for medical bills or essential living costs and cannot repay through their income.
Traditionally this referred to fighters in defensive jihad. Contemporary scholars extend this broadly to include education, dawah (Islamic outreach), building mosques and Islamic institutions, and other beneficial causes that serve Islam and Muslims.
Example: Funding Islamic education, madrasas, Muslim hospitals, or relief efforts in Muslim communities.
A traveller who is away from home and has run out of means, even if wealthy at home. They may receive Zakat to cover their immediate needs to return home.
Example: A student abroad who loses their money or documents and cannot access their funds.
Where does World Aid Network distribute Zakat?
World Aid Network distributes Zakat exclusively to Al-Fuqara (the poor) and Al-Masakeen (the destitute) — the first two Quranic categories. We do this through life-changing medical interventions: funding cataract surgery (restoring sight for £40 per person) and cancer treatment for those who cannot afford care in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Every penny of your Zakat reaches those in need. Our administrative costs are covered entirely by Gift Aid and specific administrative donations — never from Zakat funds. This is our 100% Donation Policy.
Can Zakat go to medical treatment?
Yes — funding medical treatment for the poor is a valid use of Zakat. A poor person who cannot afford medical care is squarely within Al-Fuqara and Al-Masakeen. Scholars including Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi and mainstream UK Islamic bodies confirm that paying for healthcare for the destitute is a legitimate and important use of Zakat funds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give Zakat to a mosque?
Building or maintaining a mosque is not one of the eight Quran-specified categories for Zakat. Most scholars hold that Zakat cannot be given to build mosques or pay imam salaries. However, if a mosque distributes food, pays debts for the poor, or directly helps people in the eight categories, that distribution is valid. Voluntary Sadaqah is appropriate for mosques.
Can I give Zakat to a non-Muslim?
The majority Sunni position (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali) is that Zakat must be given to Muslims only — specifically those in the eight categories who are Muslim. The Maliki school permits giving to non-Muslims in the 'those whose hearts are to be reconciled' category. Voluntary Sadaqah may be given to anyone in need, regardless of religion.
Can I give Zakat to my parents or children?
No. You cannot give Zakat to anyone you are obligated to financially support (your spouse, children, parents, grandparents). These are people you must support through normal provision (nafaqah), not through Zakat. You may give Zakat to siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins if they are in need and you have no legal obligation to support them.
Can I give all my Zakat to one cause?
Yes. You are not required to distribute Zakat across all eight categories. You may give the entire amount to one legitimate category — such as the poor and destitute — if you choose. World Aid Network distributes exclusively to the poor and destitute through medical care.