Can I Use Zakat for Debt Relief? (Gharimeen) | AddaZakat

Who are Al-Gharimeen?

Al-Gharimeen refers to people who are overwhelmed by debt and do not have enough assets (beyond their basic needs) to pay it off.

Zakat can be given to them directly or paid to their creditors on their behalf.

3 Conditions for Eligibility

1. Genuine Need

The debtor must not have surplus wealth (Sahib-e-Nisab) that can cover the debt.

2. Permissible Debt

The debt must have been incurred for a lawful (Halal) purpose, not for gambling, alcohol, or extravagance.

3. Immediate Due

The debt should be due for payment, and the person is under pressure to pay it.

Valid Debts for Zakat

You can use Zakat to help someone pay off debts incurred for legitimate reasons, such as:

Medical expenses or surgery costs.
Basic living expenses (rent, food, utility bills).
Marriage expenses (for basics, not luxury).
Business loss due to natural disaster or misfortune.

Important Exception

You cannot give Zakat to someone to pay off a debt they owe YOU. For example, if your friend owes you money, you cannot say 'Keep the money, that is my Zakat.' You must give Zakat (cash) first, and then they can choose to pay you back or not.

Ease Someone's Burden

Calculate your Zakat and help a debtor today. Or check if you can deduct your own debts before paying.

Calculate Zakat Deduct My Own Debts

Common Questions

Q.Can I pay my brother's debt with Zakat?

Yes, if he is unable to pay it himself. This is an excellent form of charity with double reward.

Q.Can Zakat be used to pay off interest-based loans?

Yes, to relieve a person from the burden of Riba (interest), Zakat can be used to clear the principal and interest to free them from that sin/hardship.

Q.Do I have to tell them it is Zakat?

No. To protect their dignity, you do not need to announce it is Zakat. You can give it as a gift or assistance.