Indeed, donations are only for the poor and the destitute and those who administer them and for those whose hearts are reconciled and for freeing slaves and for the debt-ridden ones and in the way of Allah and for the homeless traveler—an ordinance from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. [Surah: At-Tawbah, 60]

These eight categories, known as Masarif al-Zakat, are the rightful recipients of Zakat funds, representing those within our communities who are most deserving of this financial support:

1. Al-Fuqara&; (The Poor): Those who lack the basic necessities of life.

2. Al-Masakin (The Needy): Those who are in a slightly better condition than the poor but still struggle to meet their needs.

3. Al-Amileen Alayha (Zakat Administrators): Those employed to collect and distribute Zakat funds.
4. Al-Mu’allafati Quloobuhum (Those Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled): Individuals whose hearts are to be won over to Islam or those with weak faith who need strengthening.

5. Fir-Riqab (For the Ransom of Captives): To free slaves, captives of war, or those unjustly imprisoned.

6. Al-Gharimeen (Those in Debt): Individuals burdened by debts they cannot repay.

7. Fi Sabilillah (In the Cause of Allah): Those striving in the way of Allah, including supporting Islamic education and propagation.

8. Ibn As-Sabil (The Wayfarer): Travelers who are stranded and in need of financial assistance.

Understanding the Four Types of Zakat We Facilitate:

Your Zakat contributions are meticulously managed to fulfill the following essential categories:

1- Zakat on Wealth: A Known Right in the Wealth of the Affluent. This is paid at a rate of 2.5% of accumulated wealth that has reached the Nisab (minimum threshold) and a full lunar year has passed. Your Zakat on wealth helps provide long-term stability and empowerment to those in need.

2- Zakat Al-Fitr: Purification for the Fasting and Joy for Eid. Obligatory upon every capable Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, its amount is one Sa’; (a specific measure) of food (like wheat or dates) or equivalent in money per individual. Your Zakat Al-Fitr ensures that everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity and joy.

3- Expiations (Kaffarat): Atonement for Shortcomings and Repentance to Allah. This

includes expiation for breaking an oath (feeding ten poor people), expiation for Zihar (a form

of divorce), or expiation for intercourse during the day in Ramadan. Your Kaffarat helps

individuals seek forgiveness and make amends.

4- Ransom (Fidyah): Mercy for the Sick, Traveler, and Those Unable to Fast. Paid when

one is unable to fast by feeding a poor person for each day of missed fasting. Your Fidyah

provides essential support for those facing health challenges or difficult circumstances.

Timing of Zakat Payment:

For most types of Zakat (including gold, silver, money, livestock, and trade goods), payment

is due after a full lunar year has passed since the wealth reached the Nisab. Zakat al-Fitr

and Zakat on agricultural produce have their own specific timings.

Understanding Nisab:

Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth that triggers the obligation to pay Zakat. This

amount varies depending on the type of asset (e.g., gold, silver, livestock, crops). Each

category of wealth has a specific method for calculating both the Nisab and the amount due

for Zakat.

For the past 8 years, Hands for Charity has been dedicated to ensuring your Zakat is

distributed according to these guidelines, reaching those who fall within the Masarif al-Zakat

across 15 countries.

Let's continue to work together,