At We Embrace, we are dedicated to upholding the sanctity and principles of Zakat as outlined in Islamic teachings. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the mainstream traditional interpretations of the four Sunni Madhabs—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. This ensures that our approach aligns with the authentic guidance of classical jurisprudence and serves the spiritual and material needs of our beneficiaries.
Adhering to the Categories of Zakat Recipients
Our distribution of Zakat strictly adheres to the eight categories mentioned in the Qur’an (9:60). For practical purposes, we focus on the following categories most relevant to addressing poverty and hardship in our community:
- The Indigent (Fuqara): Those with no or very limited means of provision to sustain themselves.
- The Poor (Masakin): Those who can partially meet their needs but fall short of full sufficiency.
- The Debtors (Gharimin): Those burdened by legitimate debts they cannot repay.
We follow the majority view of scholars, ensuring that sufficiency encompasses essential living expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter, and even provisions for marriage, medical needs, or education, where applicable.
Key Principles Guiding Our Policy
- Empowering Through Zakat: We aim to not only provide immediate relief but also empower individuals by funding education, skills development, or small business initiatives, ensuring sustainable improvement in their lives.
- Balancing Flexibility and Accountability: While maintaining accessibility to Zakat for those in need, we uphold rigorous standards to ensure that funds are distributed responsibly and ethically. For instance, we prioritise those who demonstrate genuine need and avoid enabling financial mismanagement.
- Respect for Diversity in Juristic Opinions: We embrace the nuanced perspectives of the four Madhabs, ensuring inclusivity and respect for the diversity of Islamic thought. For example, we accommodate the view that possessing Nisab wealth does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving Zakat if they lack sufficiency.
- Focus on Dignity and Sustainability: Our approach ensures that Zakat is not only a means of charity but also a mechanism for uplifting individuals, enabling them to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Transparency and Trust
We Embrace is committed to the highest standards of transparency in handling Zakat funds. Guided by the principles of Islamic jurisprudence, we strive to serve as a trustworthy bridge between those fulfilling their obligation to give Zakat and those eligible to receive it.