you belong to one of those categories, I will give you some.”

The poor and the needy share a common need for sufficient provision. Zakat is therefore not lawful for a wealthy person or for someone strong and able to earn a living.

(And those employed to administer it) are those who collect it, safeguard it, keep its records, and perform similar duties.

(And those whose hearts are to be reconciled) we shall discuss, if Allah Most High wills, under fay’ revenues.

(And for freeing those in bondage) includes assisting slaves who have contracted to purchase their freedom, ransoming captives, and freeing slaves. This is the strongest opinion concerning this category.

Those in debt are people who have debts they cannot repay. They are given enough to discharge their debts, even if the amount is large, unless they incurred them in disobedience to Allah Most High; in that case, they are not given anything until they repent.

(And in the cause of Allah) refers to fighters who are not given enough from Allah’s funds to meet the needs of their campaigns. They are given what they need to campaign, or enough to make up the shortfall, whether in horses, weapons, expenses, or wages. Hajj also falls within the cause of Allah, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said.

(And the wayfarer) is someone travelling from one land to another.

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As for fay’, its basis is what Allah Most High mentioned in Sūrat al-Hashr, which He revealed concerning the expedition against Banū al-Nadīr after Badr, beginning with His words:

“Whatever Allah bestowed upon His Messenger from them—you spurred neither horses nor camels to obtain it, but Allah gives His messengers power