Who are "those whose hearts are to be reconciled"?
"Those whose hearts are to be reconciled" (al-mu'allafatu qulubuhum) are people who receive zakat to draw them closer to Islam or to strengthen their faith. They are one of the eight zakat categories in Quran 9:60. Today scholars most often apply it to new Muslims who need support, though the schools differ on how much of this category is still in use.
The verse
The Arabic literally means "those whose hearts are being brought together." The idea is that kindness and generosity can open hearts that arguments cannot.
Who was included at the time of the Prophet ﷺ
- New Muslims whose faith was still young, to keep them steady.
- Leaders of tribes whose acceptance of Islam could bring many others with them.
- People open to Islam who weren't Muslim yet, and some whose harm the community wanted to prevent.
The Prophet ﷺ explained that he sometimes gave to one man while another was dearer to him, fearing the first might lose his faith (Sahih al-Bukhari 27). Safwan ibn Umayyah said the Prophet ﷺ kept giving to him when he was the most hated person to him, until he became the most beloved (Sahih Muslim 2313).
Does this category still apply today?
Scholars differ:
- Hanafis say the share stopped after Islam became strong, pointing to Umar ibn al-Khattab no longer paying it to certain leaders during his rule.
- Malikis have two views; many say it applies whenever there is a real need.
- Shafi'is generally keep it for Muslims, such as new converts and those whose faith is weak.
- Hanbalis keep it for both Muslims and non-Muslims, when there is a genuine benefit.
Most scholars see Umar's decision as a judgment about his time, not a cancellation of the verse. Many contemporary scholars therefore treat support for converts as a valid use of zakat.
What this means for new Muslims
If you became Muslim and lost family support, a job or a home because of it, you may be eligible under this category as well as under "the poor." Many mosques and convert support groups in the UK, Europe and the USA run zakat funds for exactly this. There is nothing shameful in accepting it. See Can I receive zakat as a new Muslim? For the full list of recipients, see Who can receive zakat?
- It is one of the eight zakat categories in Quran 9:60.
- It covers new Muslims and people being drawn toward Islam.
- Hanafis say it ended; most other scholars say it still applies.
- Support for struggling converts is the most common use today.
People also ask
Do I pay zakat on gift cards?
Many scholars say yes, gift card balances count like cash for zakat. Prepaid Visa cards clearly do; expired cards and tiny balances don't matter.
Read the full answer →Can zakat pay for a poor person's funeral?
Most scholars say zakat can't pay a funeral directly, since the dead can't own it. Give zakat to the poor family, or use sadaqah instead.
Read the full answer →What if I gave zakat to someone who wasn't eligible?
If you checked reasonably, many scholars say zakat to someone not eligible still counts. Others say recover it or pay again to be safe.
Read the full answer →What is the zakat on found treasure?
The zakat on found treasure (rikaz) is one fifth, paid right away. Lost wallets and phones aren't treasure: they must go back to their owner.
Read the full answer →What is sadaqah jariyah?
Ongoing charity that keeps earning reward after you die, like a well, a school or useful knowledge. Here are easy ways to start.
Read the full answer →