Can Zakat be Given in Goods or Must it be Cash?

Understanding the Rules of Zakat Distribution: Cash vs. Goods

Question: Can Zakat be given in the form of goods purchased with Zakat money, or must it be given in cash?

Answer: If Zakat is to be given from cash assets, it must be given in the form of money. It is not permissible to buy goods with this money and give them instead, as this would be considered an unauthorized use of the funds. The recipient knows their needs best, so they should be given the money to purchase what they need accordingly. However, in cases of severe necessity or benefit, it is permissible to buy goods and give them, such as for an orphan child, a mentally ill person, or someone who is likely to waste the money. In such cases, understanding their needs and providing goods is acceptable. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen also mentioned that if the poor request specific items and ask you to buy them if you have the money, there is no harm in doing so (Majmoo’ Rasaa’il wa Fataawa Ibn Uthaymeen).

Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi

Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia