The hardest part of developing our new Zakat policy was finding a way to authentically include different scholarly opinions on Fi Sabillilah. We spent countless hours discussing and debating this, knowing how controversial the topic can be. Now, we want to share our approach.
Why does this matter?
The Quran identifies eight eligible recipients of Zakat, one of which is Fi Sabillilah—meaning "in the path of God." Traditionally, jurists understood this to mean supporting those undertaking Hajj or those engaged in military service (jihad).
However, in contemporary times, many respected scholars argue for a broader interpretation. Instead of limiting Fi Sabillilah to Hajj and military jihad, they suggest it includes other forms of jihad, such as advocacy (jihad by the tongue or pen). By this reasoning, any effort that protects and supports Islam—whether physically, spiritually, or sociologically—could be considered Zakat-eligible.
Applying this contemporary understanding means Zakat could be used for a wide range of causes, including projects benefiting the broader ummah rather than just specific individuals. While many scholars and charities on our platform support this view, some go even further, arguing that Fi Sabillilah could mean any good cause done for the sake of Allah.
Striking a balance: Our approach
A key concern with a broader interpretation is that Zakat could end up funding almost anything. In some cases, Zakat has been allocated in questionable ways, leading to donor distrust. This has caused skepticism toward organizations that apply an expansive definition of Fi Sabillilah, even though many credible scholars advocate for a balanced approach.
Our challenge was clear:
- How do we accommodate contemporary scholarly perspectives while ensuring Zakat is used appropriately?
- How do we respect those who prefer a more traditional interpretation of Fi Sabillilah?
After extensive discussions, we arrived at a parameterized approach—a middle ground that allows for flexibility while maintaining clear boundaries.
Our Fi Sabillilah parameters
We will not permit the isolated view that Zakat can be used for anything good. Instead, we will verify campaigns that fit within a broader understanding of jihad (excluding military support) but with defined parameters.
Our criteria include:
- Community Welfare Projects – Campaigns that alleviate poverty or maintain the physical well-being of needy Muslims without making them direct owners of Zakat funds or assets.
- Religious Support Projects – Campaigns that promote Islamic interests in Muslim-minority regions.
This framework is based on scholarly research and a careful understanding of how Fi Sabillilah is applied today.
We recognize that not everyone will agree with an expanded definition of Fi Sabillilah. That’s why our platform allows donors to customize their giving preferences. If someone only wants to support Community Welfare Projects and not Religious Support Projects, they can adjust their settings accordingly.
Ensuring trust & transparency
Every Zakat campaign on our platform is reviewed by a trained Zakat expert with extensive fiqh knowledge. We will share more about our verification team in a future blog.
In our last blog, we discussed how our Zakat policy includes all four major schools of Islamic law. Now, we’ve outlined how we’re approaching contemporary scholarly views on Fi Sabillilah. Together, these elements form our comprehensive Zakat policy—ensuring clarity, inclusivity, and trust.
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