Can I give zakat to a student studying Islam?
Yes, you can give zakat to a student of Islamic knowledge if they are poor or needy. Many scholars say this applies even when the student could work, because full-time study keeps them from earning and their knowledge benefits everyone. A student with enough money of their own is not eligible.
The key condition is need
Zakat goes to the eight groups named in the Quran, and the first two are the poor and the needy (Quran 9:60). Being a student is not a category by itself. What matters is whether the student lacks enough to cover basic living costs: rent, food, books, travel and fees. See Who can receive zakat?
The Quran praises people who are held back "in the cause of Allah" and too dignified to beg, which many commentators apply to people devoted to learning and teaching the religion:
What if the student could get a job?
Normally, someone who is healthy and able to earn should not take zakat. But scholars of the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools made an exception for a student of beneficial knowledge whose studies leave no time to earn a living. Learning the religion is a communal duty, and the community needs imams, teachers and scholars. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah makes a path to Paradise easy for them (Sahih Muslim 2699).
Scholars added that this exception doesn't cover someone who has stopped working only to spend their days in voluntary worship. Study is the reason, not simply religious devotion.
"In the cause of Allah"
Some contemporary scholars also place Islamic education under "fi sabilillah", the cause of Allah, so zakat could fund a poor student's studies through that category. The majority of classical scholars read this category more narrowly, which is why most charities rely on the poverty condition instead. Either way, a poor student qualifies.
How to give it well
- Give to the student directly, or pay their fees or rent for them. See Can I pay someone's tuition with my zakat?
- Make sure the student is a Muslim and not someone you are already obliged to support, such as your own child.
- You don't need to announce that it is zakat if that would embarrass them.
Converts studying Islam with little family support are often a very deserving case. See Can I receive zakat as a new Muslim?
- A poor or needy student of Islam can receive zakat.
- Many scholars allow it even if the student could otherwise work.
- A student with enough money of their own is not eligible.
- You can pay their fees, books or rent directly.
People also ask
Do I pay zakat al-fitr for my baby?
Yes, you pay zakat al-fitr for your baby if born before it becomes due. It is due on every Muslim, young or old; unborn babies are optional.
Read the full answer →Is a charity raffle haram?
Yes, most scholars say a paid charity raffle is haram because it is still a lottery. Free draws, auctions and direct donations are halal alternatives.
Read the full answer →Can I take back zakat I gave by mistake?
Usually no: zakat given to an eligible person is theirs. Money sent to the wrong account can be reclaimed, and overpayment still counts.
Read the full answer →Can zakat charities keep a cut for admin costs?
It depends: the Quran lets zakat pay its collectors, but scholars differ on whether charities qualify, so many run a 100% zakat policy.
Read the full answer →Can I give zakat to my in-laws or stepchildren?
Yes, you can usually give zakat to in-laws or stepchildren who are poor, since you aren't obliged to support them. Here's when it works.
Read the full answer →