Can Zakat Be Given to an Orphanage?
December 20, 2020Note: I am not a scholar. The summary below is based on commonly cited classical sources. Details can differ by scholar and by modern fatwa body, so please confirm with a qualified scholar for your own case.
What Is the Difference Between Zakat, Sadaqah, and Fitrana?
Zakat is a yearly obligation on wealth, fitrana is a small obligation at the end of Ramadan, and sadaqah is voluntary giving at any time.
Quick comparison
- Zakat: Obligatory. 2.5% of qualifying savings above the nisab, after one lunar year.
- Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr): Obligatory. A set amount per person before Eid prayer.
- Sadaqah: Voluntary. Any amount, any time, in any good form.
Sources: Quran 9:60 (zakat), Quran 2:261 (sadaqah), and the hadith of Ibn Umar in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on zakat al-fitr.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
Zakat can go to the eight categories in the Quran.
Allah lists them in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60): the poor, the needy, zakat collectors, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, debtors, in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveler.
Who cannot receive zakat?
- Your parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren (you must support them)
- Those who are wealthy above the nisab and have enough to live on
- Descendants of the Prophet ﷺ (Banu Hashim), according to most scholars. Source: Sahih Muslim
- Non-Muslims, according to the majority view
What do the four schools say about zakat?
All four agree on the eight categories. They differ on details.
- Hanafi: Requires tamlik (handing over ownership). Source: Al-Hidayah; Mukhtasar al-Quduri.
- Maliki: Allows giving to one category and gives weight to the most needy. Source: Mukhtasar Khalil; Al-Risalah of Ibn Abi Zayd.
- Shafi’i: Traditionally says to distribute among the categories present where possible. Source: Minhaj at-Talibin.
- Hanbali: Allows giving to one category. Source: Al-Mughni; Umdat al-Fiqh.
Who Can Receive Sadaqah?
Anyone in need can receive sadaqah, including non-Muslims.
- No fixed recipients, no minimum, and no deadline
- Includes money, food, a smile, helping someone, or teaching knowledge
- The Prophet ﷺ said every good deed is sadaqah (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Can sadaqah go to non-Muslims, relatives, and orphans?
Yes to all three.
- Non-Muslims: See Quran 60:8 and the hadith of Asma bint Abi Bakr and her mother (Bukhari and Muslim).
- Relatives: Giving to relatives earns double reward: charity and kinship (at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i).
- Orphans: See Quran 2:220 and 76:8.
What do the four schools say?
The four schools agree that voluntary sadaqah is recommended and open to all in need.
- Hanafi: Recommended, including for non-Muslims. Source: Radd al-Muhtar.
- Maliki: Recommended. Source: Bidayat al-Mujtahid.
- Shafi’i: Highly encouraged. Source: Al-Majmu.
- Hanbali: Encouraged, and best given secretly. Source: Al-Mughni.
Who Can Receive Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr)?
Fitrana goes mainly to the poor and needy before the Eid prayer.
The hadith of Ibn Abbas says it is a purification for the fasting person and food for the poor (Sunan Abi Dawud; Sunan Ibn Majah).
What do the four schools say about fitrana?
Schools differ on recipients, form of payment, and amount.
School | Recipients | Cash allowed? | Amount |
Hanafi | Same as zakat’s categories | Yes, value is accepted | Half a sa’ of wheat, or one sa’ of dates or barley |
Maliki | Poor and needy | Generally food only | One sa’ of the staple food |
Shafi’i | Eight categories, as zakat | Generally food only | One sa’ of the staple food |
Hanbali | Generally as zakat; some, like Ibn Taymiyyah, favored the poor and needy | Generally food; some allow value in need | One sa’ of the listed foods |
Sources: Al-Hidayah (Hanafi), Al-Risalah and Mukhtasar Khalil (Maliki), Minhaj at-Talibin (Shafi’i), Al-Mughni (Hanbali). Today, many local scholars publish a cash equivalent each Ramadan. Follow the guidance of your school or a trusted local scholar.
When should I pay fitrana?
Pay before the Eid prayer.
- Paying after the prayer counts only as ordinary sadaqah (Sunan Abi Dawud).
- Many scholars allow paying a day or two early. Ibn Umar’s practice is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari.
- The schools differ on exactly when it becomes due (sunset on the last night of Ramadan, or dawn of Eid).
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can fitrana go to an orphanage?
Yes, if it reaches poor or needy orphans. Ask the orphanage how it distributes fitrana.
Can I give zakat and sadaqah together?
Yes, but keep zakat separate and make sure it reaches eligible people. Do not count voluntary sadaqah as zakat.
Is fitrana the same as zakat?
No. Zakat is yearly and based on wealth. Fitrana is paid per person at the end of Ramadan.
Who has to pay fitrana?
Every Muslim who has food beyond their basic needs for the day, for themselves and those they support, according to the schools.
Can I give zakat to my wife or husband?
Scholars differ, and details matter. Ask a qualified scholar.
Can I pay zakat or fitrana online?
Yes, if the organization is genuine and distributes it correctly. Check their credentials before giving.
