What is Zakat? 

Zakat is a pillar of Islam and an obligation ordained on every able Muslim. It is a portion of wealth that is designated for the poor, due annually.

What does Zakat mean? 

The term ‘Zakat’ is derived from the Arabic root word meaning ‘to purify’ or ‘to increase.’

What does the Quran say about Zakat? 

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” {Surah Tawbah, 71}

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah ‘s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” {Surah Tawbah, 103}

Benefits of Zakat? 

• Removes greed and stinginess from the heart
• Inclines the heart to feel for the poor and needy
• Purifies and increases one’s wealth
• Helps the community
• Increases one in reward and good deeds
• Increases one’s rank in the hereafter

Who has to give? 

Zakat is due on every Muslim sane adult who meets the ‘nisab’ (minimum of one’s holdings liable for zakat).

When to give? 

Zakat becomes obligatory upon the completion of a lunar year as long as the ‘nisab’ is met.

Who Should Receive? 

The Quran clearly states 8 categories of people eligible for receiving Zakat:

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] 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.” {Surah Tawbah, 60}

What Wealth is Zakat Paid on and How Much? 

Zakat is paid on the wealth at 2.5 percent of one’s holdings after a lunar year has passed. This includes personal and business wealth, such as money, assets, and goods; and also includes gold, silver, precious metals, and investment properties, etc.