اسلامی نظامِ زکوٰۃ اور معاشرتی محرومی کا خاتمہ: مصارفِ زکوٰۃ کا فقہی، سماجی اور عصری مطالعہ

The Islamic System of Zakāt and the Rights of Underprivileged Communities: A Jurisprudential, Social, and Contemporary Analysis of the Recipients of Zakāt

Abstract

Zakāt is the third fundamental pillar of Islam and represents a comprehensive socio-economic institution designed to ensure equitable distribution of wealth, alleviate poverty, and safeguard the rights of underprivileged members of society. The Qur'an explicitly identifies eight categories of eligible beneficiaries (Maṣārif al-Zakāt): the poor (fuqarā’), the needy (masākīn), Zakāt administrators, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, the emancipation of captives, debtors, those striving in the cause of Allah, and stranded travelers. This study examines the linguistic and technical meanings of Zakāt, its obligation, conditions, prescribed niṣāb, and the administration of Zakāt during the Prophetic era. It further analyzes the appointment and responsibilities of Zakāt collectors, the role of the Islamic state in its collection and distribution, and the juristic principles governing the eight prescribed categories of recipients in the light of the Qur'an, Sunnah, and classical Islamic jurisprudence. The study also explores contemporary issues, including the expansion of Zakātable assets, the permissibility of paying Zakāt in monetary value instead of commodities, and modern mechanisms for its fair and transparent distribution. The findings demonstrate that an effective implementation of the Islamic system of Zakāt, based on its original principles, can significantly reduce poverty, promote social justice, protect the dignity of disadvantaged communities, and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable welfare-oriented society.