Zakat can only be given to eight categories of people, named directly in the Qur’an in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60. Unlike general charity, which can go anywhere good, zakat is restricted, and giving it outside these categories does not discharge the obligation.
The eight categories
- The poor (al-fuqara). Those with little or no income who cannot meet their basic needs.
- The needy (al-masakin). Those whose income does not stretch far enough to cover essentials, even if they have some means.
- Those who administer zakat (al-amilina alayha). People appointed to collect and distribute zakat funds.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu’allafati qulubuhum). Traditionally new Muslims and those drawn toward Islam who need support.
- To free those in bondage (fir-riqab). Historically for freeing slaves, and applied by many scholars today to those trapped in modern forms of servitude.
- Those in debt (al-gharimin). People burdened by debts they genuinely cannot repay, provided the debt was not incurred sinfully.
- In the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah). Interpreted variously, ranging from defence of the community to work that serves the public good.
- The wayfarer (ibn as-sabil). Travellers stranded and cut off from their means, regardless of wealth back home.
What this looks like in Australia
It is a common assumption that zakat must go overseas because poverty here is less visible. That is not what the Qur’an says. Hardship in Sydney is real: families in refuges after leaving violence, households where a job loss has cascaded into eviction, people carrying debts they will never clear on their income.
The first two categories, the poor and the needy, describe a great many families House of Sadaqa supports every week. The sixth, those in debt, describes people we meet through the Work and Development Order program.
Who cannot receive your zakat
- Your own parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren, since supporting them is already your duty
- Your spouse
- People who are not Muslim, according to the majority position, though general sadaqah may be given to anyone
- Building or running costs that do not reach an eligible recipient, such as construction projects
Siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws can generally receive your zakat, and supporting relatives in genuine need is often considered doubly rewarded.
How we handle it
House of Sadaqa keeps zakat funds separate from general donations and directs them to eligible recipients through the Family Support Program. Our Zakat Policy sets out the detail. If you are not sure how much you owe, start with our guide to calculating your zakat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give zakat to my family?
Not to your parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren or spouse, since supporting them is already an obligation. Siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins in genuine need can generally receive it.
Can zakat be given to non-Muslims?
The majority position is that zakat is for Muslim recipients within the eight categories. General sadaqah, however, may be given to anyone in need.
Can zakat pay for a mosque or building project?
Most scholars say no, because zakat must reach an eligible person rather than fund a structure. Sadaqah is the appropriate vehicle for building projects.
Can zakat be used to pay someone’s debts?
Yes. Those in genuine debt they cannot repay are one of the eight categories, provided the debt was not incurred through sinful means.
Can I give my zakat in Australia rather than overseas?
Yes. The categories describe circumstances, not countries. There are families in Sydney who clearly fall within them, and many scholars encourage prioritising need in your own community.
This article is general information about a point of Islamic practice, not a religious ruling. Scholars differ on some details. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown