Legal Basis and Criteria for Recipients of Zakat Fitrah, Why Are Converts Also Entitled to Receive It?

Kapanlagi.com - Zakat fitrah is an unavoidable obligation for every capable Muslim, and its distribution must be carried out carefully in accordance with Islamic law. In the Qur'an, there are eight categories of people entitled to receive zakat, one of which is converts. However, what exactly is meant by converts in the context of zakat?

Many people still wonder why converts are entitled to receive zakat fitrah. Some argue that economically stable converts should not receive zakat, while others contend that they still deserve it under certain conditions.

So, what is Islam's perspective on this? What are the criteria for converts who are entitled to receive zakat? And how long does a convert remain considered a recipient of zakat? Summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Thursday (13/3/2025), here is the complete explanation based on evidence and the views of scholars.

1. New Muslims as One of the Categories of Zakat Recipients

In Islam, zakat is given to eight categories mentioned in Surah At-Taubah verse 60:

"Indeed, zakat is only for the poor, the needy, those who collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled (new Muslims), for (freeing) slaves, for (liberating) those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for those who are traveling, as an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise." (QS. At-Taubah: 60).

This verse mentions that one of the categories of zakat recipients is al-muallafatu qulubuhum, or those whose hearts still need to be softened in faith.

Imam Al-Qurthubi in his tafsir explains that new Muslims who are entitled to receive zakat are those who have just embraced Islam and still need support to strengthen their faith.

2. Criteria for New Converts Eligible to Receive Zakat

In Islam, zakat is given to eight groups mentioned in Surah At-Taubah verse 60:

"Indeed, zakat is only for the poor, the needy, those who collect it, those whose hearts are softened (new converts), to free slaves, to relieve debtors, for the cause of Allah, and for those who are traveling, as an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise." (QS. At-Taubah: 60).

This verse states that one of the groups eligible to receive zakat is al-muallafatu qulubuhum, or those whose hearts still need to be softened in faith.

Imam Al-Qurthubi in his tafsir explains that new converts who are eligible to receive zakat are those who have just embraced Islam and still require support to strengthen their faith.

3. How Long Can a Convert Receive Zakat?

One of the frequently asked questions is until when can a convert continue to be entitled to receive zakat? There is no specific time limit in the Qur'an or Hadith that determines when a convert stops receiving zakat. However, there are several indicators that can be used as a reference:

1. When their faith and Islam are firmly established

If a convert has been practicing Islamic teachings well and no longer has doubts, then they are no longer categorized as a zakat recipient.

2. When they are economically independent

If a convert has sufficient income to meet their living needs, then they are no longer entitled to receive zakat.

3. If they no longer require support to remain in Islam

If a convert has a supportive Muslim community and is no longer facing threats or pressure from their original environment, then they no longer need to receive zakat.

With proper guidance, a serious convert studying Islam generally only needs about a year to achieve firm faith.

4. Can Zakat for New Muslims Be Given in the Form of Money?

According to zakat regulations, the giving of zakat to new Muslims can be in the form of:

• Cash → To meet basic needs such as food, shelter, or Islamic education costs.
• Religious guidance → Assistance in the form of Islamic education so that they better understand the teachings of the religion.
• Social support → Helping new Muslims to adapt to the Muslim environment.

The main purpose of zakat for new Muslims is not just economic assistance, but also as a form of support for them to strengthen their faith in Islam.

How to Distribute Zakat for New Muslims?

For those who want to distribute zakat to new Muslims, there are several ways that can be done:

1. Through Official Zakat Institutions

BAZNAS, Rumah Zakat, and other zakat institutions have special programs for new Muslims.

2. Through Mosques or Islamic Communities

Some mosques have guidance programs for new Muslims in need of assistance.

3. Directly Assisting New Muslims

If there are new Muslims around us who are in need, we can distribute zakat directly to them.

5. FAQ

Q: Do all converts have the right to receive zakat fitrah?

A: Not all converts are eligible. Only those who are in weak economic conditions and in need of support can receive zakat.

Q: How is the eligibility of a convert to receive zakat assessed?

A: Zakat institutions usually have procedures to assess the economic condition and needs of converts.

Q: Can zakat fitrah be paid in cash?

A: Yes, the majority of scholars allow the payment of zakat fitrah in cash according to the value of staple food.

Q: When is the best time to give zakat fitrah to converts?

A: Zakat fitrah should ideally be given before the Idul Fitri prayer so that it can be used by converts to celebrate the holiday.

(kpl/rmt)