The Poor (Fuqara) and Needy (Masakin)

Short answer: The poor (fuqara) and needy (masakin) are among the eight categories of zakat recipients mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah 9:60. The poor are those who have no wealth or income to meet their basic needs, while the needy are those who have some but insufficient means. The Prophet (ﷺ) recognized that a person could be poor and then become wealthy (Sahih al-Bukhari 1468, Sahih Muslim 983). In practice, one should give zakat to those known to be in legitimate need, and the zakat collector can verify as done by the Prophet's appointees (Sahih al-Bukhari 1458, 1395). If in doubt, inquire about their situation or give through a trusted intermediary. Evidence: 1. Surah At-Tawbah 9:60 (P3) lists the poor (fuqara) and needy (masakin) as the first two categories for zakat. 2. Sahih al-Bukhari 1468 (P1) and Sahih Muslim 983 (P8) show the Prophet referring to Ibn Jamil as a poor man who later became wealthy, indicating that poverty is a lack of sufficient wealth that can change. 3. Sahih Muslim 1000a (P4) and Sahih al-Bukhari 1466 (P6) indicate that a husband with no wealth (empty hands) is considered in need of sadaqa. 4. Sahih al-Bukhari 1458 (P5) and 1395 (P12) show the Prophet sending Mu'adh to Yemen to collect zakat, implying that appointed collectors are trusted to identify and distribute to recipients. 5. Sahih al-Bukhari 1445 (P11) encourages working to earn and then giving sadaqa, and if unable, helping the needy, confirming that need is recognized. Closing: This fatwa is based solely on the provided texts; for complex cases, consult a knowledgeable scholar.