Eligibility of the freed slaves (Mawali) of Banu Hashim for mandatory charity (Zakat)
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The freed slaves (*Mawali*) of Banu Hashim are not to be given Zakat. Evidence for this is the report where the Prophet sent a man from Banu Makhzum to collect charity, and when Abu Rafi' (who was a freed slave of the Prophet, belonging to Banu Hashim) sought to accompany him to receive some, the Prophet clarified, "We are not permitted to have charity, and indeed, the freed slaves of a people are considered among them." This hadith is classified as Hasan Sahih. Furthermore, because Banu Hashim inherit through 'asabah (agnatic heirs), the freed slaves should not be given Zakat, similar to Banu Hashim themselves.
Supporting text
A dissenting view holds that they should be permitted to receive Zakat because they are not considered direct blood relatives of the Prophet. However, their status is equated to that of kinship based on the saying, "Loyalty (al-Wala') is a relationship like the relationship of lineage," and the precedent that they are considered part of them. Their status in matters like inheritance, blood money ('aql), and financial maintenance confirms they are treated as kin.