What is the minimum threshold of wealth that disqualifies a person from receiving obligatory charity (Zakat)?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
A wealthy person, defined as one possessing fifty Dirhams or its equivalent in gold, is prohibited from receiving the share designated for the poor and needy. There is no disagreement among scholars on this principle because Allah designated Zakat for the poor and needy, and the wealthy do not fall into those categories. The Prophet instructed Mu'adh to inform people that charity is taken from the rich and returned to the poor, adding, 'There is no share therein for a wealthy person nor for a strong earner' (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). A wealthy person taking Zakat prevents it from reaching its rightful recipients and defeats the purpose of enriching the poor.
Supporting text
Scholars differ on defining the wealth that prevents receipt. The apparent view from Ahmad establishes the measure as possessing fifty Dirhams or its gold equivalent, or possessing sufficient means perpetually through earnings, trade, or property. If one possesses assets like goods, grain, or livestock without achieving sufficiency, they are not considered wealthy. Another view holds that wealth sufficient for one's needs prohibits receiving charity, even without possessing the statutory amount (Nisab), while need permits it, even if one possesses a Nisab. A third view, held by the People of Opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y), defines the disqualifying wealth as the Nisab upon which Zakat itself becomes obligatory.