What is the scope of recipients when a bequest is designated solely for the poor ('Fuqara') or solely for the needy ('Masakin')?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a bequest is made specifically for the poor, the needy ('Masakin') are included. Conversely, if it is made for the needy, the poor are included, as they constitute a single category outside of the rules specific to Zakat. However, if both terms are mentioned together, this indicates the testator intended to differentiate between the two groups.