Eligibility To Receive Zakaat
Question
Are recipients those that do not have wealth, being cash and jewellery above zakah nisaab? Or do we also consider debts of the person?
What if the person has wealth below zakah nisaab but has luxury items like a car or cell phone?
I will appreciate detailed guidance on the rightful recipients of zakah, so I can ensure that I discharge my zakah correctly.
Answer
Those that do not possess Nisaab qualify as recipients of Zakaat. Similarly, those that possess Nisaab but their liabilities or debts exceed their Zakaatable assets, then they too are eligible for Zakaat.
As for a person owning wealth that is below the Nisaab amount, but owns “luxuries” such as a motor vehicle and/or a phone, then he too would be eligible for Zakaat provided that these “luxury” items are for personal use and in use on a regular basis.
In today’s time and age a motor vehicle or phone for personal daily use is not a “luxury” (as you have termed it), but a necessity.
- Approved by
- Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.