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Muhammad Asad   
The offerings given for the sake of God are [meant] only for the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be won over, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are over burdened with debts, and [for every struggle] in God's cause, and [for] the wayfarer: [this is] an ordinance from God - and God is all-knowing, wise
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Safi Kaskas   
The purifying alms funds are meant only for the poor and the needy, for those who administer the fund, for reconciling hearts, for freeing slaves, for helping those in debt to spend in God's cause, and for travelers in need. This is ordered by God. God is All-Knowing and All-Wise

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيم
Transliteration (2021)   
innamā l-ṣadaqātu lil'fuqarāi wal-masākīni wal-ʿāmilīna ʿalayhā wal-mu-alafati qulūbuhum wafī l-riqābi wal-ghārimīna wafī sabīli l-lahi wa-ib'ni l-sabīli farīḍatan mina l-lahi wal-lahu ʿalīmun ḥakīmu
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Only the charities (are) for the poor, and the needy and those who collect them, and the ones inclined their hearts, and in the (freeing of) the necks, and for those in debt and in (the) way (of) Allah, and the wayfarer - an obligation from Allah. And Allah (is) All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
The offerings given for the sake of God are [meant] only for the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be won over, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are over burdened with debts, and [for every struggle] in God's cause, and [for] the wayfarer: [this is] an ordinance from God - and God is all-knowing, wise
M. M. Pickthall   
The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Safi Kaskas   
The purifying alms funds are meant only for the poor and the needy, for those who administer the fund, for reconciling hearts, for freeing slaves, for helping those in debt to spend in God's cause, and for travelers in need. This is ordered by God. God is All-Knowing and All-Wise
Wahiduddin Khan   
Alms are only for: the poor and the destitute, for those who collect zakat, for conciliating peoples hearts, for freeing slaves, for those in debt, for spending for God's cause, and for travellers in need. It is a legal obligation enjoined by God. God is all-knowing and wise
Shakir   
Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the (ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Charities are only for the poor and the needy and the ones who work to collect it and the ones whose hearts are brought together and to free the bondsperson and the ones who are in debt and in the way of God and for the traveler of the way. This is a duty to God. And God is Knowing, Wise.
T.B.Irving   
Charity is [meant] only for the poor, the needy, those working at [collecting and distributing] it, those [possible converts] whose hearts are being reconciled [to yours], for freeing captives and debtors, and in [striving along] God´s way, and for the wayfarer, as a duty imposed by God. God is Aware, Wise.
Abdul Hye   
Only Sadaqah (here it is obligatory charity), alms are for the poor (who beg), the poor (who don’t beg), those employed to collect them (the funds), those whose hearts have been inclined (towards Islam), free the captives, those in debt, those (fighting) in Allah’s Way, and the wayfarer (a traveler who is in need). That is a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.
The Study Quran   
The charitable offerings are only for the poor, and the indigent, and those working with them, and those whose hearts are [to be] reconciled, and for [ransoming] slaves and for debtors, and in the way of God, and for the traveler: a duty from God. And God is Knowing, Wise
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Surely, what is As-Sadaqat are meant for Fuqara, and Al-Masakin and the workers or staff handling and administering these (donations) and for those who keep their hearts (i.e., the hearts of those who revert to Islam) cemented. [These are those missionaries, preachers and messengers who call people towards the Ayaat of Al-Kitab and also see that the people who revert to Islam, stay in Islam in satisfaction, and with full inclination of hearts]. And (these are to be spent) in (arranging the freedom of) the necks (from all sorts of bondage of slavery and dependence), and for those in debts, and for the Cause of Allah and (for) a victim of travel (i.e., any traveller who has accidentally become a needy person) — (this is the) ordainment coming from Allah. And Allah is All-Aware, All-Wise
Farook Malik   
In fact the sadaqat (Zakah) collection is for the poor, the helpless, those employed to administer the funds, those whose hearts need to be won over to the truth, ransoming the captives, helping the destitute, in the Way of Allah and for the wayfarer. That is a duty enjoined by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowledgeable, Wise
Talal A. Itani (new translation)   
Charities are for the poor, and the destitute, and those who administer them, and for reconciling hearts, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and in the path of God, and for the traveler in need—an obligation from God. God is All-Knowing, Most Wise
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Surely donations are only for the poor, and the indigent, and the ones collecting them, (Literally: working (doing) upon them) and the ones whose hearts are brought together, (i.e. newly converted enemies, so as to reconcile their hearts) and the ransoming of necks, (i.e. captives and slaves) and the ones penalized (for debt), and in the way of Allah, and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah, and Allah is Ever-Knowing, Ever-Wise.
Muhammad Sarwar   
Welfare funds (zakat) are only for the poor, the destitute, the tax collectors, those whose hearts are inclined (towards Islam), the slaves, those who cannot pay their debts, for the cause of God, and for those who have become needy on a journey. Paying zakat is an obligation that God has decreed. God is All-knowing and All-wise
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
The Sadaqat (prescribed alms) are (meant) only to be given to the poor, the needy, to those employed to collect them, to those whose hearts are to be won, in the cause of the slaves and those encumbered with debt, in the way of Allah and to a wayfarer. This is an obligation prescribed by Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Wise
Shabbir Ahmed   
Remember that the funds that the Central Authority receives as Alms and Charity belong to the following categories: The poor. Those who are not able to earn enough living to meet their basic needs, for any reason. Those whose running businesses have stalled or the ones who have lost their jobs, who have become needy with their active lives coming to a standstill. Officers who have been appointed by the government to collect alms and charity. Those who are hindered from joining the Divine System for financial reasons. To free men and women from bondage of any kind: physical slavery, unjust captivity, and oppression from any quarters. Those pressed under the load of ransom or heavy debt from an enemy. Defense of the Ideological State, in the Cause of Allah. The wayfarer who becomes needy, or travels to the believers in destitute condition, and the homeless son of the street. This is a Duty from Allah. He is the Knower, the Wise and His Commands are based on Knowledge and Wisdom
Dr. Munir Munshey   
In fact, the ´zakat´ is meant for the needy and the poor, as well as for those appointed to collect and distribute it. (In addition, it may be used) to win hearts over (to Islam), to free slaves and those in debt, (to wage a struggle) for the sake of Allah, and to help the wayfarer. It is an obligation imposed by Allah; and Allah is well aware, the Wisest
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
Alms (goods and money given in charity) are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to manage the (funds); For those whose hearts have turned (to truth and belief recently); For those in slavery (and for the freedom of captives) and in debt; And for (fighters in) the cause of Allah; And for the wayfarer: (It is so) ordered by Allah, and Allah is All Knowing (Aleem), All Wise (Hakeem)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
The charities are to go to the poor, and the needy, and those who work to collect them, and those whose hearts have been united, and to free the slaves, and those in debt, and in the cause of God, and the wayfarer. A duty from God, and God is Knowledgeable, Wise
Abdel Haleem   
Alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need winning over, to free slaves and help those in debt, for God’s cause, and for travellers in need. This is ordained by God; God is all knowing and wise
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
The compulsory alms are only for the poor and the needy and the agents employed therein and those whose hearts are to be conciliated and those in bondage and debtors and for expenditure in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer: an ordinance from Allah: and Allah is Knowing, Wise
Ahmed Ali   
Charities are meant for the indigent and needy, and those who collect and distribute them, and those whom you wish to win over, and for redeeming slaves (and captives) and those who are burdened with debt, and in the cause of God, and the wayfarers: So does God ordain. God is all-knowing and all-wise
Aisha Bewley   
Zakat is for: the poor, the destitute, those who collect it, reconciling people´s hearts, freeing slaves, those in debt, spending in the Way of Allah, and travellers. It is a legal obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Ali Ünal   
The Prescribed Purifying Alms (the Zakah) are meant only for the poor, and the destitute (albeit, out of self-respect, they do not give the impression that they are in need), and those in charge of collecting (and administering) them, and those whose hearts are to be won over (for support of God’s cause, including those whose hostility is to be prevented), and to free those in bondage (slavery and captivity), and to help those over-burdened with debt, and in God’s cause (to exalt God’s word, to provide for the warriors and students, and to help the pilgrims), and for the wayfarer (in need of help). This is an ordinance from God. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Charities are only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for [the freedom of] the slaves and the debtors, and in the way of Allah, and for the traveller. [This is] an ordinance from Allah, and Allah is all-knowing, all-wise
Hamid S. Aziz   
Alms are only for the poor and needy, and those who work for them, and those whose heart are to be reconciled (to be converted to Islam), and those in captivity, and those in debt, and those who are on Allah´s path, and for the wayfarer. This is an
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
The (mandatory) charities are only for the poor and the needy and the processors of it and those whose hearts are interested (in submission) and (for freeing) the slaves and those in debt and in God's way and the traveler (in need), a mandate from God. God is knowledgeable and wise
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Sadaqah is for the poor and the needy, those employed to administer it, those whose hearts have been reconciled, those in bondage and in debt, and are in the cause of God, and for displaced persons. This is ordained by God, and God is full of knowledge and wisdom
Musharraf Hussain   
Zakat is for the poor, the needy, its administrators, people whose hearts and minds are to be won, freeing the slaves, helping people in debt, to advance Allah’s cause, and for the needy traveller. This is a duty instructed by Allah, and Allah is the Knower, Wise
Maududi   
The alms are meant only for the poor and the needy and those who are in charge thereof, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free those in bondage, and to help those burdened with debt, and for expenditure in the Way of Allah and for the wayfarer. This is an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
Indeed, the charities are for the poor, and the needy, and those who work to collect them, and those whose hearts have been united, and to free the slaves, and those in debt, and in the cause of God, and the wayfarer. A duty from God, and God is Knowledgeable, Wise.
Mohammad Shafi   
The Sadaqaatare to be spent only for the poor, the needy, the administrators over them, for those whose hearts are to be reconciled, the captives, those in debts, in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer. It's a mandatory ordinance from Allah. And Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
The poor-due (Zakat) is only for those who are poor and needy and those who collect it, and for those whose hearts are to be conciliated for Islam, and for the freeing of slaves, and for debtors, and for spending in the way of Allah and for the traveller. This has been ordained by Allah. And Allah is Knowing, Wise.
Rashad Khalifa   
Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of GOD, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD's commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
The obligatory charity shall be only for the poor and the needy, and for those who work to collect it, and to influence hearts (to belief), for ransoming captives, and debtors in the Way of Allah and the destitute traveler. It is an obligation from Allah. Allah is Knowing, Wise
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
(Zakat) charity is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer it, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth), and (to free) the captives, and those in debt, and in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer -- an ordinance from Allah. And Allah is Knowing, Wise
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira   
But the charities (are) to the poor/needy , and the poorest of poor/poor oppressed, and the doers/workers on it, and (those who) their hearts/minds (are) united/joined , and in the necks (freeing) slaves, and the obliged indebted , and in God's sake/path , and the traveler/stranded traveler (it is) a religious duty/stipulation from God, and God (is) knowledgeable, wise/judicious
Bijan Moeinian   
The collected charities should go to the needy ones, the poor people, the administrators of the charities, those who sympathize with the Muslims, those who are heavily in debt, the travelers in distress and may be used in freeing the slaves as well as any God pleasing cause. This is how God wants it and God is the Most Knowledgeable, the Most Wise
Faridul Haque   
The obligatory charity * is only for the destitute and the really needy, and those who collect it, and for those in whose hearts the love of Islam needs to be instilled **, and to free slaves, and to debtors, and in Allah's cause ***, and to the traveller; this is decreed by Allah; and Allah is All Knowing, Wise. (* This applies only to Zakat.** The new convert to Islam.*** To the fighter having no provisions for holy war.
Sher Ali   
The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed in connections therewith, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the freeing of slaves, and for those in debt, and for the cause of ALLAH, and for the wayfarer - an ordinance from ALLAH. And ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
Indeed, alms (Zakat) are meant for the poor and the indigent, and those who are deployed to collect charities and those in whose hearts the inculcation of love for Islam is aimed at. And, (moreover, spending Zakat for the) freeing of human lives (from the yoke of slavery) and removing the burden of those who are to pay debt and (those who toil hard) in the cause of Allah and the wayfarers (is true). This (all) has been prescribed by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Compulsory charities (- Zakat) are meant for the destitute and the needy, and for its functionaries, and (for) those whose hearts require to be consoled (in all sincerity), and for the emancipation of the slaves, and for (the relief of) those in debt, and (for spending) in the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer. (This is) an obligation imposed by Allah, for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allahs Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
The freewill offerings are for the poor and needy, those who work to collect them, those whose hearts are brought together, the ransoming of slaves, debtors, in God's way, and the traveller; so God ordains; God is All-knowing, All-wise
George Sale   
Alms are to be distributed only unto the poor, and the needy, and those who are employed in collecting and distributing the same, and unto those whose hearts are reconciled, and for the redemption of captives, and unto those who are in debt and insolvent, and for the advancement of God's religion, and unto the traveller. This is an ordinance from God: And God is knowing and wise
Edward Henry Palmer   
Alms are only for the poor and needy, and those who work for them, and those whose hearts are reconciled, and those in captivity, and those in debt, and those who are on God's path, and for the wayfarer;- an ordinance this from God, for God is knowing, wise
John Medows Rodwell   
But alms are only to be given to the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and to those whose hearts are won to Islam, and for ransoms, and for debtors, and for the cause of God, and the wayfarer. This is an ordinance from God: and God is Knowing, Wise
N J Dawood (2014)   
Alms shall be only for the poor and the destitute, for those that are engaged in the management of alms and those whose hearts are sympathetic to the Faith; for the freeing of slaves and debtors; for the advancement of God‘s cause; and for the traveller in need. That is a duty enjoined by God. God is all-knowing and wise

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
The required charity is for the poor and needy. It is for the administrators of the funds. It is for [witnessing to] those whose hearts may be reconciled. It is to free the captives and those in debt. It is for the cause of Allah. It is for those traveling. It is a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is the All-knowing, the Perfectly Wise.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Charity is [meant] only for the poor, the needy, those working at [collecting and distributing] it, those [possible converts] whose hearts are being reconciled [to yours], for freeing captives and debtors, and in [striving along] Allah (God)'s way, and for the wayfarer, as a duty imposed by Allah (God). Allah (God) is All-Knowing, Wise.
Sayyid Qutb   
Charitable donations are only for the poor and the needy, and those who work in the administration of such donations, and those whose hearts are to be won over, for the freeing of people in bondage and debtors, and to further God's cause, and for the traveller in need. This is a duty ordained by God, and God is All- knowing, Wise.
Ahmed Hulusi   
Charity is an obligation by Allah, only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect charity, and for the purpose of guiding toward Islam, and for the servants, the indebted, for spending in the way of Allah and for the travelers... Allah is the Aleem, the Hakim.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Verily alms are for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives, and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer. (This is) a duty ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim   
Zakat is but a vehicle of prayers; it is due only to:
a) The poor who are destitute of means of livelihood and
b) The needy who are in temporary distress due to sickness, disability or the like.
c) Those who are engaged as collectors and administrators thereof and
d) Those who have just reconciled themselves with their own hearts and with Allah,
e) Those in bondage -who are eager to buy their freedom-
f) Those in debt -who are genuinely unable to pay what is owed to others-
g) The support of the cause of Allah and
h) And the wayfarer -who does not have the means for transportation and has to travel on foot.
This is an obligation incumbent on Muslims and dutiful to Allah
Mir Aneesuddin   
Alms are only for the poor and the needy and for those (officials who are) appointed for administering them and those whose hearts are to be reconciled and to free the captives and those in debt and (for spending) in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer, a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is Knowing, Wise.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of God; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) orda ined by God, and God is full of knowledge and wisdom
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Only the charities (are) for the poor, and the needy and those who collect them, and the ones inclined their hearts, and in the (freeing of) the necks, and for those in debt and in (the) way (of) Allah, and the wayfarer - an obligation from Allah. And Allah (is) All-Knowing, All-Wise