Who constitutes the share designated for the needy (al-masākin)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
The fourth share is for the needy, who are the people in need, and this includes the poor (fuqarā'). In Zakat, the poor and the needy are two distinct categories, but in this context and in all other rulings, they are considered one category, with distinction only occurring when both terms are used together, which is only stipulated in Zakat. This category encompasses all needy people in all lands.
Supporting text
When multiple causes for entitlement coincide in one person, such as a needy person who is also an orphan and a wayfarer, he is entitled for each reason, as these are distinct causes for rulings. If a person is given aid due to his neediness and that need ceases, he is not given further aid for poverty.