Giving Zakah to persons who do not deserve it

Q 5: Many people give Zakah (obligatory charity) to non-deserving recipients. Is it permissible for one who does not deserve Zakah to refuse taking it?


A 5: It is Haram (prohibited) to give one's Zakah to non-deserving recipients. It is also Haram for the recipient to take Zakah if they are not one of the mentioned categories in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) in which Allah (Exalted be He) said: As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and the Masâkin (needy) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions!


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