Explanation

• There are 8 categories (Masarif) for the distribution of Zakat.
• These categories are outlined in Surah Al-Taubah (9:60) of the Quran.

These are:

1. The poor (Al-Fuqara).
2. The needy (Al-Masakin).
3. Zakat administrators.
4. New Muslims and friends of the Muslim community.
5. Slaves and captives.
6. The debt-ridden.
7. In the cause of God.
8. The wayfarer (travelling with few resources).

32 times the word Zakat occurs in the Holy Quran.

22 times word Zakat is used in Makki Surahs.

Zakat was made compulsory in 2 A.H.

But its complete system was imposed in the year of 8th hijrah.