Can someone in debt receive zakah?

Can someone in debt receive zakah?

WHO QUALIFIES AS AL-GHARIM (THE DEBTOR)


Q: Can someone in debt receive zakah?
A: Yes, but not all debt qualifies.
A person in debt (al-gharim) is eligible only if:

  • The debt is genuine and they are unable to pay.
  • They’re not hiding wealth behind business assets or luxury.

Example:
Someone says, “I owe $100,000,” but owns a company worth $600,000.
He is not considered a true debtor (al-gharim).
Someone who went bankrupt and genuinely cannot repay is eligible.

Wallahu Alam


Answered by:
Dr. Mahmoud A. Omar
Islamic Jurist and Mufti
Al-Azhar Fatwa Council Member

Methodology:
This fatwa is based on the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the established principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Usool), with consideration of contemporary circumstances.

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