According to Islamic teachings, Zakat, the obligatory alms-giving for Muslims, can be distributed to eight specific categories of individuals:
- The Poor (al-fuqarâ'): Those who lack the basic necessities of life and are unable to meet their needs.
- The Needy (al-masâkîn): Individuals who struggle to make ends meet and require assistance to cover their basic needs.
- Those Employed to Administer Zakat (al-âmilîn): Individuals who are responsible for collecting and distributing Zakat funds.
- Those Whose Hearts Are To Be Reconciled (mu'allafatu qulubihim): Individuals who may be hostile towards Islam but whose hearts can be softened through charity.
- Those in Bondage (al-riqab): Individuals who are enslaved and require financial support to gain their freedom.
- Those in Debt (al-gharimîn): Individuals who are burdened by debt and require financial assistance to pay off their obligations.
- Those in the Path of Allah (fi sabîlillâh): Individuals who are engaged in spreading Islam and fighting for its cause.
- The Stranded Traveller (ibn al-sabîl): Individuals who are stranded while traveling and require financial support to return home.
