Are the fighters (Ghazāh) in the cause of Allah entitled to receive Zakat even if they are wealthy?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
Fighters in the cause of Allah constitute the seventh category of Zakat recipients, and there is no disagreement regarding their entitlement or the continuation of their status. The unrestricted meaning of 'the cause of Allah' refers to military expedition (ghazw), as supported by Quranic verses commanding fighting in His cause (Quran 2:190, Quran 5:54, Quran 61:4). Therefore, they are given Zakat even if they are wealthy. This view is held by Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, Abu 'Ubayd, and Ibn al-Mundhir.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifah and his two companions hold that Zakat should only be given to the poor, applying the same principle to debtors for reconciliation. They base this on the Hadith to Mu'adh instructing him to inform the people that the charity is taken from their wealthy and returned to their poor, implying complete return to the poor (defined by them as those not possessing the minimum taxable amount, Nisab). They cite the Hadith stating charity is unlawful for the rich except for five categories, including the fighter in the cause of Allah.