`Amil Zakah

Issue 59 August 2009

These are the alms collectors, people who the authority employs to collect zakat. The authority gives them a fee for their work, which includes collecting, recording, guarding, dividing and distributing zakat.

Amongst the trusted and respected charities who collect zakat are Muslim Hands who distribute the alms to some of the neediest people in the world.

Muslim Hands take zakat around the world to people on the ground to help relieve poverty, sickness and provide access to education and economic opportunities. From medical care, safe water provision, education and emergency relief, zakat money will have a serious impact and benefit those who need it most.

One example of how a donation of zakat has turned around a life is that of Suryadi Darma, a young boy who lost his mother, father and sister in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. Suryadi survived with his twin brother, Surya, and is now trying to rebuild his life through the Muslim Hands Orphan Sponsorship scheme. Suryadi is just one of the millions of people zakat money can help.

www.muslimhands.org

Click the links below to read about each of the eight beneficiaries of Zakat.>

• The Masakeen - 'the destitute'

• Fuqaraa - 'the needy or poor'

• Amil' Zakah - 'the alms collectors' <

• Fi sabi `Lillah - 'in the path of God'

• Gharimun - 'people burdened with debt'

• Ibn as'Sabil - 'the wayfarers'

• Riqab - 'people in bondage or slavery'

• Mu'Allaf - 'those who have inclined towards Islam'

 <Return to the main article: Zakat - The 8 Recipients