Zakat, as an obligatory act of worship in Islam, is a duty incumbent upon financially capable Muslims. The Quran and Hadith provide guidance on who is liable to pay Zakat. Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential to fulfill this important religious obligation.

Eligibility Criteria for Paying Zakat:

1. Possession of Nisab:
According to Islamic teachings, individuals who possess wealth above a certain threshold called Nisab are obligated to pay Zakat. Nisab serves as a benchmark to determine the minimum amount of wealth required for Zakat payment.

Reference: The Nisab value is determined based on the value of gold or silver and is subject to change according to prevailing market rates.

2. Completion of One Lunar Year:
To be liable for Zakat, a person must have possessed the minimum wealth (Nisab) continuously for one lunar year. This ensures that the individual has a stable and sustainable level of wealth deserving of Zakat payment.

Reference: “Those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend them in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment.” (Quran 9:34)

Eligible Recipients of Zakat:

Zakat is specifically designated to assist specific categories of individuals who are considered deserving recipients. The Quran identifies these categories, including:

1. The poor (Al-Fuqarâ’), meaning low-income or indigent

The recipients of zakat, who fall in this category are extremely poor and needy people. These people don’t have any possessions or income. Your zakat money can help them in improving their living condition. These are the people who live under the extreme poverty line. Therefore Al-Fuqara is in the category of the people who can accept zakat.

2. The needy (al-Masâkîn), meaning someone who is in difficulty

These are the recipients who do not have what is sufficient for themselves and their dependents. They do not have any savings, a permanent sufficient salary, or a running business, and they do not have compulsory support from anyone. So these people are in need of support and help. The scholars said they should be given the Zakat money enough to suffice themselves and their dependents for the period of a year.

3. Zakat administrators

These people are given the authority by the ruler to collect the zakat money, preserve it, and give it away to the poor. These people should be given their portion of the zakat money according to their efforts. As for the individuals who give zakat on behalf of some individuals, they will be not considered under this category.

4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, meaning new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community

The Zakat money should be given to these recipients in order to bring their hearts closer to Al-Islam, increase their faith, or to be safeguarded them from their criminality if they are criminals, as long as it is known that giving them the money will stop them from their criminality.

5. Those in bondage (slaves and captives)

It is permissible to give slaves or captives the zakat money in order to free them from slavery. This also includes freeing the Muslim captives,  from the hands of the enemy.

6. The debt-ridden

The one who carries a burden of debt upon himself and is unable to pay it falls into this category. This individual deserves to receive money to pay off his debt. Instead of giving the money to him one may pay his debt directly to the one he owes, using the zakat money without giving the money to him because the goal is to pay the debt.

7. The wayfarer, meaning those who are stranded or traveling with few resources.

This is the traveler who got stuck in the middle of his journey, due to a lack of provisions. This individual must be given the zakat money that should cover his trip. However, it is important to note that, it is not permissible for a person to carry a few provisions while on a journey if one’s intention is to receive zakat money when his provision is exhausted.

Reference: “Indeed, the Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed to collect [Zakat], 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] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Quran 9:60)

Understanding who is liable to pay Zakat is crucial in fulfilling this significant religious obligation. By paying Zakat to eligible recipients as guided by the Quran and Hadith, Muslims in India can contribute to the betterment of society and help uplift those in need.