One common mistake is using Zakah to pay off debts that were acquired through haram means, such as gambling, riba-based loans, drugs, alcohol, or other sinful activities. While Islam encourages helping those in debt, Zakah cannot be used to assist someone in continuing or benefiting from haram actions.
- Zakah Can Only Be Given for Halal Debts
قال الله تعالى: ” وَالْغَارِمِينَ”
“And (Zakah) for those in debt (Al-Gharimin)” – At-Tawbah 9:60
Algharimin refers to those in debt, meaning Zakah can be used to help people repay what they owe—but with conditions.
Who qualifies as “Gharimin” (debtors) for Zakah?
- Someone who took a halal loan but is now unable to repay (such as for basic housing, not luxury or investment).
- Someone who borrowed to meet basic needs (food, medical treatment, rent, etc.).
Who does NOT qualify?
- Someone who took a loan for gambling, alcohol, drugs, or haram business.
- Someone who deliberately lived beyond their means in extravagance.
- Someone who still has the ability to repay but refuses to take responsibility.
The Evidence Against Using Wealth for Haram
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ طَيِّبٌ لَا يَقْبَلُ إِلَّا طَيِّبًا
“Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” – (Muslim 1015)
🔹 Since Zakah is a pure act of worship, it cannot be used to support haram causes.
Ibn Qudamah (RA) said: “If the debt was for something haram, it is not permissible to pay it off using Zakah.” – (Al-Mughni 2/270)
🔹 This means if someone borrowed money for haram reasons, they must take responsibility for repaying it themselves.
What If Someone in Haram Debt Is Truly Struggling?
If a person sincerely repents and is trapped in haram debt but has no means to pay it off, some scholars allow giving them Sadaqah (voluntary charity), but not Zakah.
Alternative solutions: Help them find lawful employment to pay off their debt.
Conclusion
Zakah is a pure obligation meant to uplift people, not to enable bad financial decisions or support haram actions. If someone is in debt because of a halal reason, they qualify for Zakah, but if their debt was due to haram activities, they must take responsibility for repaying it without relying on Zakah.
