Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is an obligatory act of worship for all financially eligible Muslims. It is a form of almsgiving and charity, and is prescribed in the Quran as a means of purifying one’s wealth and providing for those in need. In Sunni Islam, zakat is seen as a fundamental duty and an integral part of the Islamic faith.

The eligibility for receiving zakat is carefully outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. According to Sunni Islam, there are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat. These categories are specified in Surah At-Tawbah of the Quran: “Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise” (9:60).

The first category of eligibility for zakat recipients is the poor (Al-Fuqara) – those who do not possess enough wealth to meet their basic needs. The second category is the needy (Al-Masanin) – those who are in need of help, but may not be completely destitute. The third category is those who are employed to collect zakat (Al-‘Amilin ‘Aliha) – these are individuals who are authorized to collect and distribute zakat on behalf of the community.

The fourth category of eligibility is those in bondage (Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum) – these are individuals who are being reconciled and brought closer to Islam. The fifth category is for individuals who are in debt (Al-Gharimin) – those who have incurred debts and are unable to repay them. The sixth category is for the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah) – this can include various charitable causes, such as building mosques, spreading Islamic knowledge, and supporting jihad for the sake of defending the Muslim community.

The seventh category of eligibility is for wayfarers (Ibnus-Sabil) – those who are stranded or in need while traveling. Finally, the eighth category is for those who are in sincere need of assistance (Fi Riqab) – this can include individuals who are slaves or captives, and are in need of being freed.

It is important to note that while these categories are outlined in Islamic teachings, individuals who are eligible to receive zakat may vary based on local circumstances and the specific needs of the community. In addition, it is incumbent upon Muslims to give zakat to those who are eligible in order to fulfill this important religious obligation.

In Sunni Islam, the payment of zakat is considered to be a means of purifying one’s wealth and seeking the pleasure of Allah. It is a form of social solidarity and economic justice, as it redistributes wealth from those who have more than they need to those who are in need. By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims are contributing to the welfare and well-being of the community at large.

The calculation of zakat is based on the value of the wealth that a person possesses, including cash, gold, silver, business inventory, and agricultural produce. The amount that is due for zakat is typically 2.5% of one’s total wealth, with certain exemptions and conditions for different types of assets. This amount is distributed to those who are eligible according to the aforementioned categories.

In conclusion, zakat is a fundamental obligation in Sunni Islam, and it plays a vital role in promoting social justice and economic equity within the Muslim community. By giving zakat, Muslims are fulfilling their duty to support those in need and uphold the values of compassion and generosity that are central to the teachings of Islam. It is incumbent upon all financially eligible Muslims to give zakat and support those who are less fortunate, in order to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the entire community.