Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered an act of Ibādah that is obligated by Allah to purify wealth by distributing it to the poor and vulnerable people in societies.Some questions often arise related to Zakat and whether or not this act can be used to pay for health care when a Muslim or a Muslim family experiences health difficulties.

To help you understand, in this context, we will shed light on the purpose of giving Zakat to save the needy patients' healthcare from an Islamic perspective. Plus, we will cite various views of both former and modern scholars on this subject.

Understanding the Purpose of Zakat

Zakat, meaning “that which purifies,” as described in the Qur’an and Sunnah to redistribute wealth, reduce inequality, and support those in need. 

Allah (ﷻ) says:

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy…”[Qur’an, Surah At-Taubah (9:60)]

This verse clarifies the categories of eligible recipients of Zakat, known as the asnaf, which include the poor (fuqara’), the needy (masakīn), and those in debt (gharīmūn).

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Islam is built on five (pillars):…”[Sahih Bukhari]

This, Zakat is not simply charity; it is an obligation (fard) for those who meet the minimum wealth threshold (nisab). Its purpose is both spiritual purification and social welfare.

Where Medical Expenses Fit in Zakat Recipients?

The Qur’an outlines eight types of Zakat distribution, of which two are most relevant to healthcare:

 a) The Needy (Masakīn)

The people who do not have enough money to fulfill their basic needs.

b) The Debtors (Gharīmūn)

Those who are in debt because of true, unavoidable expenses.

Medical costs, especially when it comes to serious illnesses or for life-saving treatment, can cause individuals to fall below the poverty line or result in debt. In such conditions, they usually come under one of the Zakat-covered categories by many scholars.

Explore Scholars’ Opinion on Zakat and Medical Need

Ibn Qudamah (Hanbali Scholar)

In "Al Mughni," Ibn Qudamah describes the gharimun as people considered eligible to receive Zakat if they take loans due to some obligatory expenditures that they require to meet their needs. 

“The debtor who does not have wealth must be given Zakat if his debt is for permissible needs.” [Al-Mughni]

Maliki and Hanafi Opinions

Maliki and Hanafi jurists also regarded unavoidable debt, including debt incurred through necessaries, as a valid reason for receiving Zakat aid. The purpose (Maqasid) or aim of Zakat distribution is not limited to redistribution but also aims to alleviate hardship.

Conditions for Using Zakat for Healthcare Expenses

To ensure Zakat is rightly utilized in health when channeled, scholars have outlined some key conditions as follows:

✔ Must be directed to an eligible asnaf recipient

He should be a really needy case, unable to afford the treatment, and must not have enough Zakat-payable wealth.

✔ Expense must Be necessary, not elective

Zakat is mostly permissible for necessary medical treatment, one that's urgent or life-saving, but not cosmetic or elective procedures.

 ✔ Intention (Niyyah) of the giver must be correct 

The donor gives with the intention of Zakat and not simply sadaqah, although the purpose may often cross over.

Practical Example from Islamic Sources

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.”[Sahih Muslim]

Hence, using Zakat to relieve medical suffering reflects this broader Islamic ethos.

Zakat and Modern Healthcare Challenges

Many families face unpredictable and considerable healthcare expenses. Even families with some nest eggs would go into financial ruin because of:

• Emergency surgery

• Cancer or chronic illness treatment

• Long-Term Care for Disability

• Hospitalization because of accidents

Although such scenarios have never been described in any classical texts, objectives like "preservation of life" (hifz al-nafs) and minimization of harm, which form part of Shariah, can be considered strongly applicable for Zakah purposes.

How Zakat Is Different from Other Kinds of Charity? 

Here, we will describe what makes zakat different from other forms of charity:

Zakat

• Obligatory for Muslims who are eligible

• Has a special receptor and requirements

• Must be computed in compliance with Islamic law

Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity)

• Encouraged in all circumstances

• More flexible in purpose and recipients

• Often used for broader welfare, including non-profit organizations

In many cases, both Zakat and voluntary charity can support healthcare, but Zakat has stricter rules to protect its purpose and sanctity.

Why Muslims Should Be Aware of It?

Properly understanding the Islamic rulings on Zakat and healthcare equips Muslims to:

• Fulfill their religious duty with confidence

• Support those in medical hardship ethically and lawfully

• Distinguish between obligatory and voluntary forms of giving

• Relieve suffering in ways that align with Islamic principles

Islamic teachings consistently emphasize compassion, justice, and the communal responsibility to help the vulnerable.

How Zakat Can Support Patients with Chronic Illnesses in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, several chronic and life-threatening blood disorders require regular medical treatment, imposing constant financial burdens on families with scant resources. Organizations like the Sundas Foundation, which work within Islamic norms to provide transparent health care assistance for needy patients, showcase the implementation of academic perspectives, as shared in this article. 

This healthcare model takes Zakat to the eligible patients who fall into categories such as needy or medically indebted, providing a mechanism to realize Zakat as a structured, Shariah-compliant method to preserve life, reduce suffering, and uphold the Islamic principle of social responsibility, without converting Zakat's religious purpose. 

Key Note

You can also directly use sundas Foundation Zakat calculator, tailored as per Islamic Shariah rules with current asset values.

Wrapping Up

Indeed, Islamic jurisprudence is very clear on the use of Zakat in helping to alleviate difficulties for people in need, even in such areas as medical bills beyond their means or loans taken to cover medical care. Also scholars agree on using Zakat for medical care in special circumstances when people are in real need because of illnesses and lack of any means of covering their expenses for medical care.

The aim of Zakat distribution is not only the transfer of wealth, but it also acts as the heavenly means to secure social welfare, uphold dignity, alleviate pain, and further enhance the spirit of social bonding.

Disclaimer

Note that this article is written for just information. So, for the exact Zakat-related concern, consult with Islamic scholars

FAQs

Can children receive Zakat for medical treatment?

Yes, if they are needy or dependent, their guardian can allocate Zakat on their behalf.

Can Zakat pay for family members’ medical debts?

Yes, if the family is poor and unable to cover essential treatment, Zakat may be used in compliance with Shariah.

Can Zakat be pooled for community healthcare programs?

Yes, as long as funds are used for eligible recipients and not administrative excess.

What do classical scholars say about Zakat for medical needs?

Ibn Qudamah and other Hanbali scholars recognize that debt for essential needs qualifies under gharīmūn.

Do Hanafi scholars allow Zakat for healthcare?

Yes, if treatment is necessary and the patient is poor or in debt, Hanafi scholars approve its use.

Are contemporary fatwas aligned with classical rulings?

Yes, modern fatwa councils affirm that essential medical treatment for the needy qualifies for Zakat.

Does the Hadith support helping the sick?

Yes, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized relieving hardship and debt, which includes medical needs.