First:

The definite article here merely identifies the particular charitable dues already mentioned in His words:

“Among them are those who criticize you concerning charitable dues; if they are given some of them, they are pleased.”

These, then, are charitable dues on wealth, not those due on persons, by agreement of the Muslims. Thus, when He says in the verse concerning compensation:

“Then compensation by fasting, charity, or sacrifice,”

this charity is not included in the verse in Surah Barā’ah. The leading scholars agree that compensation for an ailment need not be distributed among all eight categories. Likewise, voluntary charity is not included in the verse, by the consensus of the Muslims. The same applies to all other acts of kindness, for it is authentically reported through several chains that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Every act of kindness is charity.”

Such charity is not restricted to the eight categories, by agreement of the Muslims.

This is the response of those who deny that this charity is included in the verse. Moreover, the verse encompasses all the poor, the needy, and those in debt throughout the east and west of the earth. No Muslim has said that every one of these people must receive a share. Rather, the most that has been said is that three people from each category must be given something. Yet this restricts the general wording concerning each category and then selects one poor person rather than another. Furthermore, no one has required equal distribution among the individuals within each category. Thus, in the view of