over others when allocating revenues other than zakat, such as fay and similar funds. There are two views on this in the school of Ahmad and elsewhere. Some hold that they should be given priority; others hold that entitlement to these funds rests on being Muslim, so Muslims share in them just as heirs share in an inheritance. The correct view is that those in need should be given priority, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to give them priority, as he did when distributing the wealth of Banū al-Nadīr. Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“No one has a greater right to this wealth than anyone else. What matters is a man’s precedence in Islam, the benefit he brings, the efforts he makes, and his need.”

Thus Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, divided them into four categories:

First: those with precedence in Islam, through whose early efforts the funds were acquired.

Second: those who serve the Muslims by securing benefits for them, such as rulers and scholars who bring them religious and worldly benefits.

Third: those who render valuable service in warding off harm from them, such as those who strive in Allah’s cause: soldiers, intelligence agents among emissaries and sincere advisers, and others like them.

Fourth: those in need.

If any of these people serves without payment, Allah has met the need through him. Otherwise, he is given enough to suffice him or an amount commensurate with his work. Once you understand that grants are made according to the benefit