Zakat is a divine system of wealth purification and social support. But when it comes to students, many Muslims wonder: can zakat be given to students? Whether they’re studying Islam or medicine, memorizing the Quran or pursuing engineering, the question isn’t just about their education—it’s about their financial status.
Let’s clear the confusion and walk through everything you need to know about giving zakat to students—legally, spiritually, and practically.
Can Zakat Be Given to Students?
Yes, zakat can be given to students if they qualify under one of the eight zakat-recipient categories, such as being poor, needy, or in debt.
Simply being a student doesn’t make someone eligible for zakat. Their financial situation does. If a student is struggling to meet basic needs—like tuition, food, housing, or books—they may qualify to receive zakat funds.
Who Qualifies for Zakat?
Zakat is guided by Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), which outlines eight categories of eligible recipients:
-
The poor (Fuqara)
-
The needy (Masakin)
-
Zakat administrators
-
Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
-
Those in bondage (slaves)
-
Those in debt
-
In the path of Allah (Fi Sabilillah)
-
The wayfarer (Ibn Sabil)
If a student falls under any of these—most commonly the first, second, or sixth—they can receive zakat.
Types of Students Eligible for Zakat
Let’s go beyond general answers and get specific. Here are the main types of students who can receive zakat:
✅ Poor Students (Fuqara)
If a student lacks the funds to pay for tuition, food, books, or housing, and doesn’t own assets above the nisab threshold, they qualify.
✅ Students in Debt (Gharimeen)
If the student has taken out loans for education or is drowning in financial obligations, they may qualify under the category of debt relief.
✅ Students Studying for Religious Purposes (Fi Sabilillah)
This includes students studying Islamic sciences, memorizing the Quran, or preparing to serve the Muslim community. If they are poor or have no income, they may qualify under Fi Sabilillah, a category often interpreted as “in the cause of Allah.”
When Zakat Cannot Be Given to Students
❌ If the student is financially stable
Students from well-off families or those who have sufficient income don’t qualify for zakat, even if they’re pursuing noble goals.
❌ If the zakat is used for luxury or non-essential needs
Zakat must be used to cover basic and essential needs. Laptops, travel for luxury purposes, or personal gadgets aren’t valid uses unless deemed necessary for study and the student is genuinely poor.
❌ If the zakat is disguised as a gift
Your intention (niyyah) matters. You must intentionally give it as zakat, not as a disguised gift or favor.
Real-Life Examples
| Scenario | Can They Receive Zakat? | Why or Why Not? |
|---|---|---|
| A university student can’t afford tuition or rent | ✅ Yes | Poor and unable to meet needs |
| A Quran memorization student living in a madrasa | ✅ Yes | Eligible under “Fi Sabilillah” if poor |
| A student from a wealthy family studying abroad | ❌ No | Financially stable, not eligible |
| A student in debt after taking a study loan | ✅ Yes | Eligible under “those in debt” |
| A student wants zakat to buy a new phone | ❌ No | Not an essential need |
Best Practices for Giving Zakat to Students
If you’re planning to give zakat to support students, follow these guidelines:
1. Verify Their Financial Status
Ensure the student truly qualifies as poor, needy, or in debt. Ask respectfully if needed, or work through a trusted organization.
2. Label the Donation as Zakat
Make your intention clear—both internally and when giving the funds. Say or write, “This is zakat.”
3. Give Directly or Through Institutions
You can give zakat:
-
Directly to the student, or
-
Through madrasas, schools, or scholarship funds—as long as the funds go exclusively to zakat-eligible students
4. Use a Trusted Zakat Calculator
To make sure you’re giving the right amount, always calculate your zakat precisely using zakatcalculator.com.ng. This tool simplifies zakat on:
-
Cash savings
-
Investments
-
Business goods
-
Gold and silver
It also helps you track and distribute zakat responsibly.
Can Zakat Be Used for Student Scholarships?
Yes, but only when the scholarship is directly given to eligible students, not to the school or institution for general use.
The scholarship must cover:
-
Tuition
-
Books
-
Uniforms
-
Boarding
-
Transportation (if essential)
The key? It must benefit a specific, qualified recipient. Zakat must always go to a person, not a project.
Can You Give Zakat to Family Members Who Are Students?
Yes, you can give zakat to family members—including siblings, cousins, and even uncles or aunts—if they’re students and meet the eligibility requirements.
However, you cannot give zakat to those you’re already obligated to support, like:
-
Parents
-
Children
-
Spouse (in most cases)
Summary Table: Zakat Eligibility for Students
| Type of Student | Eligible for Zakat? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poor university student | ✅ Yes | If below nisab and struggling |
| Wealthy student | ❌ No | Doesn’t qualify |
| Religious student in madrasa | ✅ Yes | If needy or studying Fi Sabilillah |
| Student in debt | ✅ Yes | Qualifies under “debtor” |
| Student from a zakat-paying family | ❌ No | Must be needy and not already supported |
Conclusion: Should You Give Zakat to Students?
Yes, you can give zakat to students—as long as they’re genuinely poor, in debt, or studying for the sake of Allah and can’t afford their needs. Zakat is a powerful way to support the next generation of Muslims—but only when distributed correctly.
To make sure you’re giving the right amount to the right people, start with the right tool.
Visit zakatcalculator.com.ng now to calculate your zakat accurately, understand who qualifies, and fulfill your obligation with confidence.
Support education. Empower the Ummah. Give zakat with purpose.