Q: A brother has recently lost his job. He has a mortgage, insurances, dependents and ongoing living expenses. His financial circumstances suggest that he may be unable to meet his family’s essential needs. For example, if a person’s monthly income were approximately $3,200 while his necessary monthly expenses totaled approximately $6,400, would this fact alone make him eligible to receive Zakah or would additional information be required to determine his eligibility?
Also, if an organization (name withheld) is administering the Zakah fund and the amount of assistance requested may be substantial, (as can be noted from the potential figures) what process should it follow before approving and distributing the Zakah? What level of financial inquiry, documentation, and oversight is appropriate to ensure that the funds are distributed in accordance with the Quranic Ayah on Zakah while fulfilling the organization’s fiduciary responsibilities for the community?
A: If a person’s income is insufficient to cover their essential living expenses and available assets do not suffice for his basic needs, then the person may be regarded as among the fuqarāʾ and masākīn who are eligible to receive Zakah. The criterion is not mere possession of some income or cash, but the existence of surplus wealth beyond one’s indispensable necessities. However, taḥqiq (research) and due diligence remain necessary. If the individual has surplus assets, retirement savings or other significant resources, then a respectful and confidential conversation should be held before Zakah is distributed, especially when public Zakah funds are being administered.
Since the situation includes mortgage-related obligations, potential dependents, insurances and an inability to meet essential expenses, this may further support his eligibility. In such a case, it is permissible to assist him from Zakah funds, provided the assistance is directed toward ḥajah ḍaruriyyah (extreme necessities), not toward luxury or non-essential expenditure. Thus, from the standpoint of amanah (trust) and governance, Zakah should not be dispensed without reasonable verification. The committee: 1) Should assess the recipient’s actual condition, 2) The extent of his need, 3) The proper category under which he falls. This preserves both the dignity of the recipient and the integrity of the fund.
Accordingly, if the initial conversation shows that he has a surplus and does not yet fall below the nisab threshold, or that his expenses should first be reduced, he may be advised as follows: once your wealth falls below the nisab level, the organization will be able to assist in measured amounts and such assistance may continue so long as the need remains and eligibility continues. It may also be helpful to explain the approximate limit of assistance that can reasonably be provided over a given specified period, so that he may plan ahead and work toward greater stability. At the same time, he should be encouraged to review his expenditures, reduce obligations where possible and adjust his affairs in light of his hardship. The loss of employment often brings real strain and the community should assist with mercy, but responsibility remains a two-way matter: support from the giver and effort from the recipient.
May Allah (SWT) make it easy for all, InshaAllah, ameen!
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.s. Kindly focus on bold or italics to gain the finer points of the deen upon which this response comes into view.
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