مصارفِ زکوٰۃ و صدقات اورآثار صحابہ:جمع وتحقیق اورعصری اطلاقات

Disbursements of Zakat and Charity, and Aathar-e-Sahaba: Collection, Research, and Contemporary Applications

Abstract

The disbursement of Zakat and charity holds a central position in the economic and social structure of Islam. Based on the Qur’anic injunction in Surah al-Tawbah (9:60), eight specific categories of beneficiaries are identified: the poor (fuqara), the needy (masakin), the administrators of Zakat (‘amilin), those whose hearts are to be reconciled (mu’allafat al-qulub), slaves seeking freedom (riqab), debtors (gharimin), those striving in the path of Allah (fi sabilillah), and travelers in need (ibn al-sabil). This research paper undertakes a systematic study of these eight categories, combining Qur’anic evidence, Prophetic traditions, and the legal opinions of the Companions (Aathar-e-Sahaba). The study not only gathers and authenticates classical sources but also highlights the practical applications of Zakat in the contemporary context of Pakistan and the wider Muslim world. It discusses how Zakat can serve as a tool for poverty alleviation, social justice, debt relief, educational empowerment, and humanitarian aid. Moreover, the research emphasizes the importance of adhering to the specific Qur’anic framework while addressing modern challenges, such as the needs of refugees, marginalized communities, and global humanitarian crises. By engaging both classical interpretations and modern applications, this study aims to bridge the gap between traditional scholarship and current socio-economic realities. Ultimately, it argues that Zakat, when distributed correctly, not only ensures social welfare but also fosters unity, equity, and spiritual development within the Muslim ummah.