۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ 60
Translations
Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.
Transliteration
Innama as-sadaqatu lil-fuqara'i wa-al-masakini wa-al-'amilina 'alayha wa-al-mu'allafati qulubuhum wa-fi ar-riqabi wa-al-gharimina wa-fi sabilillahi wa-abni as-sabili farida min Allahi wa-Allahu 'alimun hakim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, known as the 'Ayat al-Zakah,' delineates the eight categories of individuals eligible to receive Zakat (obligatory charity), establishing it as a divine obligation with specific beneficiaries. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these eight categories encompass the poor (al-fuqara'), the needy (al-masakin), those employed in collecting and distributing Zakat, those whose hearts are to be softened toward Islam (al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum), slaves and captives, those in debt, those striving in Allah's path, and travelers in need. The ayah's concluding statement affirms that Zakat is a divinely ordained obligation (farida) and Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise in these determinations.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period when the Islamic state was established and Zakat became a formal pillar of Islam with institutional collection and distribution. It came in the context of Surah At-Tawbah, which addresses the obligations of the Muslim community and proper governance of Islamic finances, particularly regarding the treatment of wealth and charity as acts of worship.
Related Hadiths
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Charity does not decrease wealth' (Sahih Muslim 2588). Additionally, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that some people from among the Ansar came to the Prophet asking for charity, and he gave to them; when they asked again, he said, 'The wealth is not in abundance with me' (Sunan Abu Dawud 1633), illustrating the careful consideration of recipients.
Themes
Key Lesson
Zakat is not merely a charitable act but a divinely ordained obligation with specific categories of recipients, reminding believers that Islam provides a comprehensive social welfare framework designed by Allah's wisdom. Understanding these eight categories helps modern Muslims ensure their charitable giving aligns with Islamic principles and addresses genuine needs within society.