Allah Himself specified the eight categories of zakat recipients in the verse — leaving no room for human addition or subtraction: "Indeed, the charities (zakat) are only for the poor (al-fuqara''), the needy (al-masakin), those employed to collect them (al-''amilina ''alayha), those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu''allafati qulubuhum), for freeing slaves (fir-riqab), for those in debt (al-gharimin), in the cause of Allah (fi sabil-illah), and for the stranded traveller (ibn as-sabil) — an obligation imposed by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." (at-Tawbah 9:60). The fact that Allah Himself enumerated them — and concluded with ''an obligation imposed by Allah'' — is conclusive proof that no one may invent a ninth category nor restrict to less than these. Zakat may not be given to one''s parents, children, grandchildren, or wife — for one is already obligated to maintain them, and giving them zakat would be returning the wealth to oneself in effect. It also may not be given to non-Muslims (except possibly in the category of mu''allafati qulubuhum), nor to the wealthy, nor to the descendants of the Prophet (ﷺ) — Banu Hashim — for he said: "Indeed charity is not befitting for the family of Muhammad, for it is the dirt of the people." (Muslim 1072).