Who Can Receive Zakat? (8 Eligible Categories Explained)
One of the most common questions Muslims ask is: “Who is eligible to receive zakat?”
The Quran gives a clear answer in Surah Tawabah (9:60). In this article, Ansar NC explains the eight categories and how we distribute zakat in North Carolina according to these rules.
The Poor (Al-Fuqara)
These are individuals who have little or no income and cannot meet basic living needs. Examples include families struggling to pay rent, utilities, food, or transportation.
Ansar NC Example: A single mother who cannot cover groceries and bills.
The Needy (Al Masakeen)
These individuals have some income but still cannot meet essential expenses. They may appear stable from the outside but live with financial stress.
Ansar NC Example: A father working full time but still unable to afford rent or medical costs
Zakat Administrators
Those who collect, manage, and distribute Zakat on behalf of the community. This includes administrative tasks directly tied to Zakat distribution.
Note: Ansar NC currently uses Zakat only for recipients, not admin costs.
Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled
People who are new to Islam or those whose hearts need softening towards Islam. Zakat here helps stabilize and support their spiritual journey.
Example: A new Muslim needing support to avoid hardship or isolation.
Freeing Salves
Historically this meant freeing slaves. Today it includes supporting people unjustly imprisoned or trapped by oppressive systems.
Those in Debt (Al Gharimeen)
People overwhelmed by halal debt due to necessity not luxury spending. This includes medical debt, emergency expenses, or basic living needs.
Ansar NC Example: A family struggling to pay overdue utility bills or medical invoices.
In the Path of Allah (Fi Sabilillah)
This traditionally refers to those striving in Allah’s path, including legitimate community benefit and religious service.
Travelers in Need (Ibn Al Sabeel)
A traveler who is stranded or in need, even if wealthy at home. They may lack access to their own money and need temporary assistance.
Example: Someone whose wallet was stolen while travelling.
How Ansar NC Distributes Zakat
At Ansar NC, Zakat is treated as a sacred trust. Every dollar is distributed exactly according to the eight categories. Our mission is to ensure that your Zakat reaches those who truly qualify and need it most quickly, transparently, and responsibly. We verify every case through: financial screening, documentation, caseworker evaluation, and community references (when needed).
Our Zakat Distribution Principles
Ansar NC follows these core principles:
Strict Shariah compliance – Only the eight eligible categories are supported.
Local-first support – Zakat stays within the North Carolina Muslim community.
Zero Zakat used for admin – Zakat funds go 100% to recipients, not operational expenses.
Privacy and dignity – Every recipient’s situation is handled with confidentiality and respect.
Fast relief – We prioritize urgent cases such as food, rent, utilities, and medical bills.
Why Give Your Zakat Through Ansar NC
When you give your Zakat through Ansar NC, you directly support Muslims in your own North Carolina community who are facing hardship. Your contribution helps families avoid eviction, keeps essential utilities running, provides groceries for children, supports new Muslims adjusting to their faith, and lifts the burden from individuals drowning in medical or emergency debt. Every dollar is distributed according to the Quranic guidelines and goes entirely to qualified recipients, never to administrative costs, ensuring that your Zakat is used exactly as Allah intends and reaches those who need it most.
In addition to Zakat, Ansar NC also accepts Sadaqah, which plays a crucial role in supplementing our assistance programs. While Zakat can only be used for specific categories, Sadaqah allows us to help with additional needs that fall outside those restrictions such as general community support, transportation assistance, temporary housing needs, school supplies, and other situations where flexibility is required. Together, Zakat and Sadaqah allow us to respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively to the diverse challenges faced by families across our community.