Is the share designated for the 'Mualafati Qulubuhum' (those whose hearts are to be reconciled) still applicable after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The share designated for the Mualafati Qulubuhum remains binding. This is established by the Book of Allah (Quran 9:60) and the Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) informed a petitioner that Allah legislated the division of Sadaqah into eight shares and that if the petitioner belonged to one of those shares, he would receive his due. This practice continued until the Prophet's passing. To abandon the Book of Allah and His Messenger's Sunnah requires explicit abrogation, which cannot be established by mere probability, reasoning, or the opinion of a Companion alone. Furthermore, abrogation typically occurs during the Prophet's lifetime through subsequent revelation.
Supporting text
Al-Sha'bi, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and the People of Opinion hold that the share for the Mualafati Qulubuhum ceased after the Prophet's passing, asserting that Islam is now honored and does not need to reconcile the hearts of disbelievers, referencing a narration attributed to 'Umar. However, this view is rejected because the meaning cited (i.e., Islam being self-sufficient) does not negate the scriptural ruling; rather, wealth might prevent distribution at a particular time, but the ruling itself remains established for when the need arises for reconciling hearts.