Can I give zakat to a stranded traveler?

Who counts as a stranded traveler?

Scholars of the four schools describe the ibn as-sabil as a Muslim who is away from home and has run out of means to continue or return. Modern examples:

• A student or tourist whose wallet, cards and phone were stolen abroad.
• Someone stuck after a cancelled flight with no money for a new ticket or a place to stay.
• A person whose bank accounts are frozen while they are in another country.
• A refugee or migrant cut off from home, who is often also poor.

What matters is the need right now, not their bank balance back home. They don't have to take a loan first, though scholars say a loan is fine if they prefer it.

Conditions scholars mention

• A real need. They genuinely can't reach their money, not just prefer not to use it.
• A permissible trip. Most scholars, especially Shafi'is and Hanbalis, exclude someone traveling for a sinful purpose unless they repent.
• Enough to get home. They receive what covers the journey back or onward: ticket, food, a room. Once home, they don't need to repay it.
• Muslim recipient. As with most zakat categories, the majority limit it to Muslims. For anyone else, use sadaqah. See Can I give zakat to non-Muslims?

Be kind, but be careful

Islam honors travelers, and helping a stranger who is stuck is deeply rewarding. At the same time, "I lost my wallet and need train fare" is a well-known scam in many European and American cities. If you can, buy the ticket or pay the hotel directly instead of handing over large amounts of cash, and don't feel guilty about asking a few questions. If you can't tell, a small amount of sadaqah is a kind middle way. See Can I give money to a homeless person who might buy alcohol?

If you're the one stuck

Muslim travelers who get stranded can contact the local mosque, which often helps quietly. There is no shame in it: Allah named you in the Quran as someone owed help. See What dua do I say when I travel?