What is the ruling on distributing Zakat funds to a Mukatab?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
It is obligatory to give the Mukatab the full amount required to fulfill his contract of manumission. If he possesses nothing, the entirety of the required amount may be given to him. If he possesses some funds, he is to be given the remainder necessary for his freedom because his need will not be met otherwise. No Zakat is to be given to a Mukatab who already possesses the required amount for his contract, as he is considered self-sufficient regarding the writing. It is also permissible to give him funds for his contract before the due date to prevent the contract from lapsing due to lack of funds.
Supporting text
No aid is to be given to a non-Muslim Mukatab from Zakat funds, as he does not belong to the prescribed categories of Zakat recipients. Furthermore, the claim of an individual being a Mukatab is not accepted without proof, as the default status is servitude. If the master confirms the claim, there are two views: one accepts it because the master's right over the slave is acknowledged; the other rejects it because the slave is suspected of colluding to acquire funds.