Surely, there are still many who are not well-versed in the categories or groups of asnaf. It is important for us to know who these asnaf groups are because Allah SWT has mentioned them and the rights they should receive. So, who exactly can be categorized as asnaf? Is it sufficient for someone to claim they are in hardship to be included in the asnaf group and receive zakat assistance? Let's take a look at the excerpt below to understand who they are and what rights they should receive.

Allah says in Surah At-Taubah, verse 60:

۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌۭ ۝٦٠

“Indeed, the zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

So, what are the definitions or criteria that can determine if someone falls into one of the aforementioned categories? There are eight Asnaf who are eligible to receive zakat: Asnaf Fakir (the Poor), Asnaf Miskin (the Needy), Asnaf Amil (the Zakat Collectors), Asnaf Muallaf (those whose hearts are to be reconciled), Asnaf Riqab (those in bondage), Asnaf Fisabilillah (those in the cause of Allah), Asnaf Gharimin (those in debt), and Asnaf Ibnu Sabil (the Wayfarer).

The Poor (Fuqara'): Those who have insufficient means to meet their basic needs.

The Needy (Miskin): Those who have slightly more than the poor but still need assistance.

Zakat Collectors (Amil): Those appointed to collect and distribute zakat.

Reconciliation of Hearts (Muallaf): New Muslims or those whose hearts need to be reconciled towards Islam.

Freeing Captives (Riqab): Those in bondage or slavery, to free them.

Those in Debt (Gharimin): Individuals who are in debt and cannot repay it.

In the Cause of Allah (Fisabilillah): Those striving in the path of Allah, which can include various forms of charity work and support for religious causes.

The Wayfarer (Ibn Sabil): Travelers who are stranded and in need of financial assistance to return home.

Based on the definitions above and as stated by Allah in the Quran, these groups are entitled to receive zakat. Zakat agencies need to determine if someone belongs to the asnaf, particularly Asnaf Fakir (the Poor) and Asnaf Miskin (the Needy), by assessing the measurement from the calculation of HAD KIFAYAH (the sufficiency threshold).

What is Had Kifayah (the sufficiency threshold)? The measurement to determine if someone falls into the asnaf categories (the Poor and the Needy) is through the calculation and assessment of HAD KIFAYAH. It should be noted that the calculation varies from state to state. Many other aspects are also considered to ensure each application is carefully reviewed, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate and thorough assessments, taking into account the calculation of Had Kifayah.

You can refer to the Wakaf, Zakat & Endowment Management Center (WAZAN) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for complete information regarding Had Kifayah, as WAZAN UPM has been appointed as an assistant amil by the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS).

Sumber: Lembaga Zakat Selangor
Pautan Lain: Kaunter Zakat UPM

Date of Input: 15/05/2024 | Updated: 15/05/2024 | nuriqra