Many people are still unaware of the categories or groups of asnaf. It is important for us to know who the asnaf are because Allah SWT mentions them and the rights they deserve. So, who exactly can be categorized as asnaf? If an individual claims they are in need, does that automatically entitle them to be included in the asnaf group and receive zakat assistance? Let's look at the excerpt below on who qualifies as asnaf and the rights they are entitled to.
Allah states in Surah At-Taubah, verse 60, which means: 'Indeed, zakat is only for the poor, the needy, the administrators of zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled (converts), to free those in bondage, those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler – as an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.'
So, what definitions or descriptions can determine whether someone falls into one of the above categories? There are eight groups of asnaf who are eligible to receive zakat, namely: Asnaf Fakir, Asnaf Miskin, Asnaf Amil, Asnaf Muallaf, Asnaf Riqab, Asnaf Fisabilillah, Asnaf Gharimin, and Asnaf Ibnu Sabil.
- Asnaf Fakir: A Muslim who does not possess property or income, or has property or income that does not meet 50% of their essential needs and those of their dependents.
- Asnaf Miskin: A Muslim who has property or income but still does not meet the essential threshold, as they can only cover more than 50% of their own and their dependents' needs.
- Amyl : An individual appointed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) as a zakat collector. This person represents His Majesty the Sultan in carrying out zakat management duties, including collection and distribution.
- Muallaf : A new convert to Islam, or someone whose heart is inclined towards Islam within the group of non-Muslims, who needs to be shown sympathy towards Islam, or who is expected to defend Muslims, or whose harm to Muslims needs to be mitigated.
- Asnaf Riqab : A person who is constrained by a force or situation that hinders them from leading a better life.
- Asnaf Fisabilillah : Individuals engaged in efforts, activities, and struggles aimed at upholding and defending Allah’s religion.
- Asnaf Gharimin : A Muslim in debt who is unable to meet the basic needs of themselves and their dependents, or who lacks the financial means to repay the debt.
Criteria for those in debt:
1. The debtor is unable to repay the debt.
2. The debt is related to obedience that is required by syar'a.
3. The debt has reached the designated time for repayment.
- Asnaf Ibnu Sabil: Ibnu Sabil refers to a Muslim traveler who has run out of provisions during a journey or is in a situation that brings benefit and aligns with Shariah law, provided they meet the following conditions:
1. Left stranded on the journey.
2. Exhausted provisions while traveling.
3. Unable to utilize their wealth to continue the journey.
4. In need of basic assistance for travel-related issues.
Based on the definitions above and as stated by Allah in the Quran, these groups are entitled to receive zakat, and zakat agencies must determine if an individual belongs to the asnaf category, particularly asnaf Fakir and Miskin, by assessing them against the measurement of HAD KIFAYAH (sufficiency threshold).
What is "had kifayah" (sufficiency threshold)? The measurement to determine if someone falls within the asnaf category (Fakir and Miskin) is through the calculation and assessment of HAD KIFAYAH. It is important to note that the calculation may vary from one state to another. Various other aspects are considered to ensure that each application is thoroughly evaluated, ensuring that decisions are accurate and based on the calculation of had kifayah.
Reference Source:
Selangor Zakat Board
