Charity and Zakat: Foundations of Compassion

Charity (Sadaqah) and Zakat are among the noblest humanitarian acts that uplift the lives of the poor and needy, helping them live with dignity. Allah has commanded Zakat as a mandatory duty for every Muslim, while encouraging voluntary charity as a means of nearness to Him and earning His pleasure.

This article aims to clarify who is eligible to receive Zakat and charity, who isn’t, and the main rulings governing both.

What is Zakat and Charity?

Definition of Zakat

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It involves giving a specific portion of one’s wealth to poor and needy Muslims based on certain conditions. It is given solely for the sake of Allah, with the purpose of improving the conditions of the less fortunate. Zakat is the responsibility of the wealthy and well-off.

Linguistically: "Zakat" means growth and increase. In Islamic terminology, it refers to a specific portion of wealth that must be given to eligible recipients.

Definition of Charity (Sadaqah)

Charity refers to anything given—money, clothes, or food—with the sincere intention of pleasing Allah. It is a generous and humane act from the donor’s own belongings and carries immense spiritual reward in this life and the Hereafter.

Linguistically: The word "Sadaqah" comes from the verb "tasaddaqa." The giver is the "mutasaddiq," and it means giving to the poor seeking the pleasure and love of Allah.

Conditions for Giving Zakat and Charity

Conditions for Giving Charity

Charity is a powerful way to ward off harm and misfortune. These are the main conditions for it to be valid:

• Sincere Intention for Allah Alone: Charity should come from the heart, done quietly without showing off. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Actions are judged by intentions.”
• From Lawful Wealth: The money given must be earned through lawful and honest means.
• With Respect: Charity should be given politely and respectfully, without offending the recipient or compromising their dignity.
• In Private: Ideally, it should be given discreetly, not for praise. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Secret charity extinguishes the anger of the Lord.”
• To the Deserving: It should go to the genuinely poor and needy, not the wealthy.

Ruling on Charity

Charity is not obligatory but highly recommended. Islam encourages it because of the great rewards it brings in both worlds. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury—their reward is with their Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:262)

Conditions for Zakat

To be valid, Zakat must fulfill these conditions:

• Islam: Only Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat, and it is only distributed among Muslims.
• Freedom: A slave cannot give Zakat, as they do not own wealth.
• Ownership: The wealth must be fully owned by the giver, free from debt.
• Growth: The wealth should be capable of increasing (such as business assets or livestock).
• Lapse of a Lunar Year (Hawl): A full year must pass on the wealth before Zakat is due—except for agricultural products, which are due at harvest.
• Minimum Threshold (Nisab): The wealth must reach the Nisab according to the type of asset.
• Surplus Wealth: The wealth must exceed the person's basic needs.
• Free from Debt: If the wealth is under debt, Zakat is not obligatory on it.

Ruling on Zakat

Zakat is a compulsory act upon every adult, sane Muslim who meets the conditions. It is a religious duty that supports social justice and stability among the poor.

Who Can Receive Zakat and Charity?

Eligible Zakat Recipients

Zakat should be given to the following groups:

• The Poor and Needy: Those who cannot meet their daily needs.
• Debtors: People overwhelmed by debts—either for personal hardship or social reconciliation.
• In the Cause of Allah: Those who strive for the religion and defend the Muslim community.
• Stranded Travelers: Those who are away from home and need assistance.
• New Muslims or Those Close to Islam: To strengthen their hearts in faith.
• Zakat Workers: Those assigned to collect and distribute Zakat.

Who Cannot Receive Zakat

Zakat must not be given to:

• The Wealthy: Those who can provide for themselves.
• Relatives Whose Support is Your Obligation: Like children, spouse, parents, and grandparents.
• Slaves
• Minors
• Non-Muslims

Eligible Charity Recipients

Charity can be given to a wider range of people:

• The Poor and Destitute: Those lacking the basic means of living.
• The Needy: Those who may have some income but not enough to cover their needs.
• People Close to Islam: Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, to build goodwill and affection.
• Orphans: Among the most deserving, both materially and emotionally.
• Debtors: People unable to pay off their debts.
• In the Cause of Allah: Volunteers and defenders of the faith.
• Stranded Travelers
• Slaves and Captives: Including Muslim prisoners or those under bondage.

Who Cannot Receive Charity

Charity is not for:

• The Wealthy and Self-Sufficient: Those capable of earning and covering their needs.
• Those Already Supported by Others: Like dependents with sufficient support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Zakat and Charity?
Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim who meets specific conditions, such as Nisab and the passage of one lunar year. It is given to specific categories. Charity, on the other hand, is voluntary and can be given to anyone in need.

Are Zakat and Charity the same?
No. Zakat is a required act of worship for those who meet the criteria. Charity is a non-mandatory act encouraged by Islam.

Is Zakat better than Charity?
Both carry great rewards. Zakat is a duty, while charity is a noble voluntary act. Both purify the heart and bring forgiveness and blessings.

What’s the relationship between Zakat and Charity?
Charity is part of the broader concept of giving in Islam, while Zakat is a specific, mandatory act with clear rules. Charity can be given freely to anyone, but Zakat must follow set guidelines.