Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, mentioned alongside prayer dozens of times in the Qur’an as the twin markers of a believer’s sincerity (e.g., [Quran 2:43], [Quran 2:110]). The word Zakat carries the sense of both “purification” and “growth” — paying it purifies the giver’s remaining wealth and character, while Allah promises it increases what is left behind rather than diminishing it. Allah instructs the Prophet ﷺ directly regarding this dual purpose in [Quran 9:103], where He commands that charity be taken from people’s wealth specifically to purify and cleanse them.
Zakat is not optional charity, but rather it is an obligation due on wealth that has reached a minimum threshold and been held for a full lunar year. This obligation is why masjid Zakat committees, including ours, operate under specific religious criteria rather than general discretion: the Quran and Sunnah define both who is required to pay Zakat, and who may receive it.
The Zakat Categories Defined in the Quran
In the Quran, Allah has enumerated broad categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat [Quran 9: 60]. Zakat funds may only be directed to address the needs relevant to these eight categories. They are:
- Al-Fuqara’ (The Poor): those whose income or assets fall short of covering their basic needs.
- Al-Masakin (The Needy): those in even more acute hardship than the *fuqara’*, often unable to meet needs at all and frequently too self-respecting to ask.
- Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha (Zakat Administrators): those appointed to collect, record, and distribute Zakat, compensated from the funds for that work.
- Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum (those whose hearts are being reconciled): new or wavering Muslims whose support benefits the Muslim community.
- Fi-r-Riqab (freeing those in bondage): historically, ransoming captives or slaves.
- Al-Gharimin (The Indebted): people burdened by legitimate debt they cannot repay.
- Fi Sabilillah (in the cause of Allah): efforts that serve the Muslim community at large.
- Ibn as-Sabil (Stranded Travelers): those cut off from their resources while traveling, even if wealthy at home.
MCT’s Zakat Committee draws its assistance program primarily from the first two categories (the Poor and Needy) since our application is built around applicants who cannot currently meet basic living needs such as housing, utilities, food, or transportation for work. Where a case involves genuine debt for a legitimate need, the Committee may also consider it.
Additional Conditions
Several authenticated narrations of the Prophet, Peace and Blessings be Upon him, also shape our Committee’s practice:
- Zakat is reserved for those lacking sufficient means, not the wealthy or able-bodied earners [Sunan Ibn Majah 1841].
- Zakat only becomes due once wealth reaches a certain threshold [Sahih al-Bukhari 1447, Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat].
- Zakat should be directed to local needs first [Sahih al-Bukhari 1496].
MCT Zakat Committee Priorities
Because Zakat is a trust and an act of worship, distributing it responsibly requires the Committee to review documentation and circumstances. To ensure Zakat is managed appropriately, we prioritize applications with demonstrated needs in the following categories:
- Basic living expenses
- Loss of income due to health issues
We further prioritize applicants living in Hampton Roads to reflect the Sunnah for distributing Zakat to those nearby and known to the community first. Please use the link at the top of this page to submit a Zakat application.
Upon submission, each application will be reviewed confidentially by the MCT Zakat Committee. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
This page is intended as general information about the religious basis for our Zakat program and is not a substitute for scholarly guidance on an individual’s personal Zakat obligations. Applicants or Zakat payers with specific questions are welcome to contact the masjid directly.