The Changing Standard of Sufficiency and Its Impact on the Assessment of the Poor and the Needy: A Contemporary Jurisprudential Study

Abstract

This study examines the concept of the changing standard of sufficiency and its impact on the assessment of the poor and the needy in Islamic jurisprudence, as this standard constitutes a fundamental criterion upon which eligibility for zakat is determined. The study aims to elucidate the concept of the standard of sufficiency and to provide its juristic foundation, while also exploring the extent to which it is affected by economic and social transformations and how such changes influence the classification of individuals as either needy or financially self-sufficient. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology and draws on the comparative approach when presenting and analyzing the opinions of classical jurists. The findings demonstrate that the standard of sufficiency does not refer to a fixed monetary amount; rather, it is a flexible and context-sensitive criterion that varies from one individual to another according to the necessities and needs required by each person, in light of prevailing custom and in a manner that fulfills the objectives of Islamic law, particularly the alleviation of hardship and the attainment of an adequate standard of living. The study further concludes that changing circumstances—such as price fluctuations, shifts in living conditions, and the occurrence of economic crises—have a significant impact on determining the standard of sufficiency and, consequently, on rulings concerning zakat eligibility. This renders such rulings inherently dynamic, contingent upon the presence or absence of actual sufficiency. The study emphasizes the importance of careful and accurate assessment of eligibility and cautions against relying solely on outward appearances. It also highlights the necessity of linking Islamic jurisprudence to contemporary realities in order to ensure the realization of social justice.