Who is eligible to receive Zakat?
The holy Qur’an specifies eight (8) purposes for which the money from Zakat can be used. They are the following. 1) Poor (Faqir pl. Fuqara’): One who cannot support himself/herself, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab. 2) Needy (Miskin pl. Masakin): One who cannot adequately support himself/herself, and is reluctant to ask for help. Such an individual, therefore, is not easily recognized as someone who needs help. Such an individual is eligible for Zakat, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab. 3) Those employed to administer the collection, distribution, and administration of Zakat (Al-‘Amilin): They need not remain below Nisab at the time of receiving compensation through Zakat. 4) Those individuals who have been recently reconciled to the Truth (Mu’allafat-al-Qulub): This category includes new Muslims, or those who are willing to support the Muslim State but need to be compensate
