Who is sadaqah given to?
The Qur'an gives a clear answer to the question of who should receive sadaqah and zakat. Surah at-Tawbah lists 8 categories of recipients. This verse is the primary rule for both sadaqah and zakat.
The 8 categories in the Qur'an (At-Tawbah 60)
«Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.»
(Qur'an, Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60)
Explanation of the 8 categories
- 1. The poor (fuqara) — those without any income
- 2. The needy (masakin) — those with income but unable to meet their needs
- 3. Collectors of zakat — those tasked with collecting it
- 4. Those whose hearts are softened — new Muslims
- 5. Slaves — those needing support to be freed
- 6. Debtors — those unable to repay their debt
- 7. Those in the way of Allah — those working to spread knowledge and faith
- 8. The wayfarer — travellers stranded and in need
Who is sadaqah not given to?
Islamic scholars note that it is not appropriate to give sadaqah to wealthy relatives or to people of means. Sadaqah must reach those who are truly in need.
How is sadaqah calculated?
For ordinary sadaqah the amount is free — intention is the foundation. Zakat, however, has the nisab and the 2.5% rule. As for how much sadaqah to give: as much as your means and a content heart allow.
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