Zakat recipients (asnaf)
The categories of people and purposes to which zakat may be paid, as set out in the Quran.
Zakat may only be paid to specified recipients, known as the asnaf, a point IFSB-26 reflects in its definition of zakat. The Quran names eight categories: the poor, the needy, those who administer zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of God, and the stranded traveller. Scholars and zakat institutions interpret how these categories apply today, which affects how zakat platforms route and report payments.
Sources
This entry explains a term; it is not a Shariah ruling. Approving a product is for each institution's own Shariah board and regulator.
Related terms
ZakatAn obligatory annual contribution on qualifying wealth above a minimum threshold, paid to specified categories of recipients.NisabThe minimum amount of wealth above which zakat becomes due; for money it is set by reference to gold or silver.Islamic microfinanceSmall-scale Islamic finance for low-income households and micro-enterprises, using qard hasan, sales, leases or partnerships.