The Obligation of Zakat — The Third Pillar

fiqh Level: basic zakah fqh-003

إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلۡعَٰمِلِينَ عَلَيۡهَا

— التوبة 60

Verse: "Establish prayer, give zakat, and bow with those who bow." (2:43)

Eight zakat recipients (9:60): The poor, the needy, those administering it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing of slaves, the debt-burdened, in Allah's path, and the stranded traveler.

Key nisab thresholds: Gold: 85g (2.5%); Silver: 595g (2.5%); Agricultural crops: 5% (irrigated) or 10% (rain-fed).

Source: Al-Qurtubi (8/168); Ibn Qudama (2/467); Al-Jassas (3/135)

Question: How many recipients of zakat are specified in the Quran?

Answer: Eight recipients — detailed in At-Tawbah 60: poor, needy, administrators, new converts, freeing slaves, debt-burdened, in Allah's path, stranded traveler.