Asnaf

Asnaf refers to the eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat, which is a mandatory religious tax or alms in Islam. These categories are explicitly mentioned in the Quran and are the sole recipients of zakat funds. The primary purpose of zakat is to redistribute wealth and assist those in need, thus fostering social welfare and economic justice within the Muslim community.

The eight categories of asnaf are: al-fuqara' (the poor), al-masakin (the needy), al-amilun (zakat collectors), al-muallafati qulubuhum (those whose hearts are to be reconciled), fir-riqab (for freeing slaves), al-gharimin (those in debt), fi sabilillah (in the cause of Allah), and ibn al-sabil (the wayfarer or stranded traveler). Each category represents a distinct social or economic vulnerability that zakat aims to address.

The determination of who falls into each category is typically based on specific criteria and local interpretations within Muslim communities. For instance, identifying the "poor" or "needy" involves assessing their level of income, assets, and basic necessities. The recipients of zakat are therefore intended to be those who are unable to meet their fundamental needs or who are working towards a greater good for the community. The zakat system, through the distribution to asnaf, plays a crucial role in Islamic socioeconomic principles.