What is Zakat?

• Zakat means purification.
• Zakat is the fourth pillar of Islam which became obligatory in the 2nd year of hijrah.
• It is an act of worship which benefits mankind.
• Its importance can be judged from the fact that it is mentioned 32 times in the Qur’an.
• Zakat is a means by which a Muslim purifies his wealth and his heart from the love of money and greed.
• It is an obligation which was imposed on previous nations as well and God has promised great reward to those who fulfil this obligation.
• The money paid in zakat is not something that God needs or receives, He is free of all dependency and its purpose is to create a well-balanced society and free people from the love of wealth.
• Every Muslim who possesses property equal to or exceeding a laid down minimum (nisab) has to give away, at the prescribed rate a portion of it to deserving poor and needy people.
  • It is calculated at two and a half percent.
• Zakat is not levied on buildings, shops or total capital but on savings of the income that may have been generated from them.
• Zakat is not payable on precious stones and immovable property or machinery.

Who must pay Zakat?

• Is a Muslim;
• Has reached the age of puberty;
• Is sane;
• One’s assets equal or exceed the nisab level for a period of one year without interruption.
  • 20 mithqal or 85 grams of gold, It is calculated at two and a half percent.
  • 200 dirham or 595 grams of silver, It is calculated at two and a half percent.

Who are eligible to recieve Zakat?

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. (Surah Tawbah, 9:60)

1. The poor (al-fuqarâ’), meaning low-income or indigent.
2. The needy (al-masâkîn), meaning someone who is in difficulty.