Verification Guide

Verifying Zakat Recipients

Your Zakat is a trust (Amanah). It is your responsibility to ensure it reaches those who truly deserve it according to Shariah.

Updated for 2025

Why Verification is Critical

If you give Zakat to someone who is not eligible (e.g., they are rich or a professional beggar), your obligation may not be discharged, and you might have to pay it again.

Giving to professional beggars encourages laziness and deprives the real poor.

3 Steps to Verify

1

1. Observe Lifestyle

Look at their living conditions. Do they have luxuries (expensive phones, branded clothes) that contradict their claim of poverty?

2

2. Indirect Inquiry

Ask neighbors or local shopkeepers about their financial situation discreetly, without exposing their identity.

3

3. The Nisab Question

Gently ask if they possess gold/savings above the Nisab threshold. If they are Sahib-e-Nisab, they cannot receive Zakat.

Green Flags (Likely Eligible)

  • ✓Struggling to pay basic utility bills or school fees.
  • ✓Living in a rented house with minimal furniture.
  • ✓Has a medical condition but cannot afford treatment.
  • ✓Widow or orphan with no source of income.

Red Flags (Likely Not Eligible)

  • !Owns 52.5 Tola silver or equivalent cash/gold.
  • !Uses the latest smartphone or wears gold jewelry.
  • !Professional beggar who asks everyone aggressively.
  • !Refuses to accept food/ration and only demands cash.

Questions to Ask (Respectfully)

You don't need to be an investigator, but asking a few polite questions can clarify things. Try asking:

  • "Do you have any gold or silver jewelry at home?"
  • "Do you have savings in any bank account?"
  • "Is this your own house or rented?"
  • "Who is the breadwinner in the family?"
Tip: Always maintain their dignity. Do not make them feel like they are being interrogated.

Ready to Distribute?

Now that you know how to verify, double-check the 8 categories of eligible recipients or calculate your due amount.

See 8 Eligible CategoriesCalculate Zakat

Common Questions

Q.I gave Zakat to someone, but later found out they were rich. Is my Zakat valid?

According to Hanafi Fiqh, if you tried your best to verify (Ijtihad) and honestly believed they were poor, your Zakat is valid. You don't need to pay again.

Q.Can I ask for proof of income?

Yes, but do it gently. Asking for a utility bill or a school fee voucher is a good way to verify without being rude.

Q.Is it better to give cash or buy them things?

Giving cash is generally better as it gives them freedom to spend on their most urgent needs. However, paying their bills directly is also valid.