Does “the needy” refer to both the poor and the needy, or only to the needy?

The answer is that it refers to both the poor and the needy. When the term “needy” occurs on its own, or the term “poor” occurs on its own, each includes the other. But when both terms occur together, the poor are in greater need than the needy, as we explained in the Book of Zakah.

The compensation for harm, for wearing clothing and the like, and the sacrifice for being prevented from completing the pilgrimage, are due wherever their cause arises.

His statement, “the compensation for harm,” means that this compensation is due wherever its cause arises; it is not necessary for it to be offered within the Sacred Precinct.

The compensation for harm consists of slaughtering a sheep, feeding six needy persons—giving each needy person half a sa‘—or fasting three days. This is what Allah, Exalted is He, mentioned in His saying: “Then a ransom of fasting, charity, or sacrifice.” It is called the compensation for harm because of His saying: “Whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the scalp…” [al-Baqarah 2:196].

His statement, “for wearing clothing,” means that the compensation for wearing clothing is due wherever its cause arises. It has already been explained that the prohibitions of the state of ihram, with respect to their required compensation, are divided into four categories (1).

His statement, “and the like,” means matters similar to the compensation for harm and for wearing clothing, such as the compensation for applying perfume, covering the head, and the like. These are due wherever their cause arises.

His statement, “and the sacrifice for being prevented from completing the pilgrimage is due wherever its cause arises”: being prevented means being barred. That is, the sacrificial offering made obligatory due to being prevented, which is mentioned in Allah’s saying: “If you are prevented, then offer whatever sacrificial animal is readily available.” [al-Baqarah 2:196]