Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalam alaikum.

Acceptance of zakath.

I am a widow.I have 4 daughters. Alhumdulillah all are studying. I am totally dependent on my brothers.I hve 20gms of gold That gold ornaments are used by my daughters.I pay zakath for that gold.now if someone gives me zakath money can i accept it?

Allah hafez.

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Answer:

Accept Zakah Money

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

If the total nett worth of any believer is more than the prescribed ‘nisaab’ of 7.5 tolas of gold (app. 85 grams of gold or app. Value US$1,000.00), then the person is liable to pay the obligatory zakat of 2.5% on their excess wealth which has been in her possession for a full calendar year.

Beloved Sister, if your total nett worth and excess asset is equivalent to 20 grams of gold, then it would be considered below the prescribed ‘nisaab’, and thus there is no zakah due from you.

Your Question: if someone gives me zakath money can i accept it?

Although there is a prescribed ‘nisaab’ for those with means to pay zakah, there is no amount or limit prescribed in Shareeah for one who can receive zakah funds.

If one is amongst the below listed eight categories, they are eligible to receive from the zakah funds:

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 9 Surah Taubah verse 60:

60 Alms are for the poor, the needy, those employed to administer the (funds), for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth), for those in bondage, in debt, in the Cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

As a widow with four daughters and totally dependant upon your brothers for your financial upkeep, you would fall under the ‘needy’ category…and if someone offers you from their zakah funds, there is absolutely no harm in accepting your right from them.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan