Allah has blessed His servants by revealing laws and legislations to manage their lives, including the obligation of Zakat, which is among the most important religious duties that must be performed. The Noble Quran contains surahs and verses that regulate the distribution of Zakat.
This article discusses the rules and regulations for disbursing Zakat, who receives gold Zakat, how it is spent, who is entitled to it, and we conclude with the most common questions on this topic.
Who Receives Gold Zakat?
Allah says in His Noble Book: “Charity is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect [it], and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for freeing captives and debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.”
This verse specifies the recipients of Zakat, whether it’s gold Zakat, monetary Zakat, or any other types like camel Zakat and commercial goods Zakat, etc.
Recipients are classified into eight categories, ranked by priority as follows:
- The poor who cannot meet their basic needs.
- The needy who are not in absolute poverty but lack sufficient means, receiving Zakat ensures their sufficiency and independence from asking.
- Those employed to collect Zakat are compensated for their work in collecting or safeguarding it.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled towards Islam or influential individuals who can bring others towards Islam.
- For freeing captives or slaves.
- Those in debt who cannot pay off their debts.
- For Allah’s cause, including jihadis in need of equipment or preparing Islamic armies with necessary supplies.
- The wayfarer or traveler who lacks funds and is in need of food and shelter.
Distribution of Gold Zakat
According to the verse we referred to, gold Zakat is to be distributed within specified regulations and categories defined by Allah in His Noble Book, not deviating from them except under specific conditions mentioned by jurists and Muslim scholars.
Ziyad ibn Al-Harith As-Suda’i (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and pledged allegiance to him. A man then came and said: ‘Give me from the charity.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Allah did not leave the decision of charity to a prophet or others; He Himself made that decision, dividing it into eight categories. If you belong to these categories, I will give you your right.’ Reported by Abu Dawood.
If the Zakat intended for disbursement falls within the categories and types mentioned in the Quran, it is permissible. Relatives in need, whether poor or needy, are entitled to receive Zakat without the giver having the right to dictate how it is spent since the wealth becomes the property of the needy, and the giver cannot control it. The quicker and more generous the giver in disbursing their wealth to the needy, the greater their reward.
Masarat for Sustainable Development and Education in Northern Syria
Masarat initiative is a completely free educational initiative that offers its services to all those affected by displacement in Northern Syria, supporting them in continuing their education, believing in the importance of education for a better future for them and their families.
You can give your gold Zakat to our initiative, contributing to supporting those in need in their educational journey remotely, who do not have the means to continue their education. They fall within the categories mentioned in the Noble Quran to meet their needs and gain knowledge and education for free, hoping that this benefit and knowledge will be an aid for their future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Zakat
Is it permissible to give gold Zakat without weighing it?
There is no harm in giving Zakat on jewelry without weighing it if the giver is certain they have given the due amount.
Is it permissible to give Zakat on gold in gold?
If the Nisab is reached and a year has passed, Zakat is due on the gold itself or its cash value after selling it.
Does someone with a small amount of gold qualify for Zakat?
Zakat is only given to specific categories mentioned in the Quran, including the poor and the needy. However, the Hanbali school of thought considers someone who owns 17.66 grams of gold to be wealthy, exceeding the threshold of poverty according to many jurists, and thus not eligible to receive Zakat.
