MuslimWay
Advertisement

Should I give zakat to one person or many?

By · 2 min read
Coin: Penny of Aethelred II, First Hand type
Photo: Suffolk County Council, Andrew Brown, 2013-08-14 11:20:11, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Either is fine according to most scholars. The majority say you can give all your zakat to one eligible person or spread it among many. The Shafi'i school prefers spreading it across the categories in the Quran, and many scholars say the best choice is whatever really changes someone's situation.

What the Quran says

Allah lists eight groups who can receive zakat:

إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ "Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] 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..." Quran 9:60

Scholars disagree on what this list means for you as a giver. See Who can receive zakat?

The views of the four schools

  • Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali: the verse shows who may receive zakat, not that every group must get a share. You can give everything to one category, or even one person.
  • Shafi'i: zakat should be divided among the categories that exist where you are, with at least three people in each. Many Shafi'is today give through a zakat organisation, which spreads it for them.
  • Hanafi caution: giving a single poor person enough to make them reach the nisab is disliked (makruh) but still valid, unless they are in debt or have a large family.

When one person makes sense

Giving a large amount to one person can clear a debt, pay a deposit on a flat, or buy tools so they can earn. That kind of help can move someone from needing zakat to paying it one day. It also suits converts who know one struggling family well.

When many people make sense

Spreading your zakat reaches more homes, covers different needs, and follows the Shafi'i view. Giving through a trustworthy zakat fund is an easy way to do this. See How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat? You can also mix both: part to someone you know, part to a fund. Where the money goes geographically is another choice; see Should I give zakat locally or abroad?

Key points
  • Most scholars allow all your zakat to go to one person.
  • The Shafi'i school prefers spreading it across categories.
  • A large sum to one person can solve a real problem.
  • Splitting between a person you know and a fund works too.
Tip: Before deciding, ask what the money will actually do. If one person's debt or rent crisis can be fully solved with your zakat, that is often more powerful than many small amounts.

People also ask

What is khums?

Khums means one-fifth (20%), from Quran 8:41. Sunnis apply it to war spoils and buried treasure; Shia Muslims also pay it on yearly surplus income.

Read the full answer →
Do I need to make niyyah when paying zakat?

Yes, you need a niyyah for zakat to count, but it's in your heart and needs no words. Learn when to make it and whether to tell the recipient.

Read the full answer →
What is zakat on crops and harvests?

Zakat on crops (ushr) is 10% of a rain-fed harvest or 5% if irrigated at a cost, paid at harvest once it reaches about 650 kg. Here's how it works.

Read the full answer →
What happens if I don't pay zakat?

Not paying zakat when due is a major sin, and it stays owed until paid. See the Quran and hadith warnings and how to repent and make it up.

Read the full answer →
Can I give zakat to refugees?

Yes, you can give zakat to Muslim refugees in need: they often count as poor, needy, debtors or stranded travellers. Non-Muslims can get sadaqah.

Read the full answer →