Who can receive zakat donations?

In Islam, zakat is an obligatory tax intended to purify one's wealth. While it is primarily designated for the poor and needy, religious law identifies several specific categories of recipients who may benefit from these funds.12

According to the Qur'an, zakat may be distributed to the following:

• The poor and needy: Those in financial distress.12
• Tax collectors: Individuals responsible for the collection and administration of zakat.12
• Conciliation: Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, such as discordant tribesmen.1
• Debtors: Individuals working to redeem chronic debts.12
• Jihad and public welfare: Volunteers in jihad (holy war), which commentators have extended to include education and health initiatives.12
• Captives and travelers: Ransoming Muslim war captives and providing support for travelers.12

While historically managed by the state, the collection and distribution of zakat in the modern Muslim world are generally left to the individual conscience, except in nations where Shari'ah is strictly enforced.12