Deepen your understanding of Zakat and Islamic finance.
Understanding the prescribed categories for Zakat distribution and the different forms of Islamic charity.
Those who have no wealth or property and whose needs are far greater than their means.
Those who have some wealth but not enough to cover their basic needs.
Those appointed to collect and distribute Zakat (even if they are wealthy).
New Muslims or those inclined towards Islam, to soften their hearts.
To free captives or slaves (historical context, but still applicable in freeing from debt bondage).
Those burdened by debt and unable to pay it off (provided the debt was not incurred for sinful purposes).
Those striving in the path of Allah (including students of knowledge, defenders of faith, etc.).
Travelers who are stranded and cut off from their wealth, even if they are wealthy at home.
A mandatory small charity given at the end of Ramadan to ensure everyone can celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with dignity.
Ongoing charity that continues to benefit others and earn rewards for the donor long after they have passed away.
The minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess for a full lunar year before they become liable to pay Zakat. There are two standards: Gold (87.48g) and Silver (612.36g).
The period of one full lunar year (approximately 354 days) that wealth must be held above the Nisab threshold before Zakat becomes due.
A separate mandatory charity given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer. It is distinct from Zakat al-Mal (wealth tax) and is usually a small amount of food or its monetary equivalent.
Ongoing charity (e.g., building a well, planting a tree, knowledge) that continues to benefit others and earn rewards for the donor even after death.
Interest charged on loans or deposits. It is strictly prohibited (Haram) in Islam as it is seen as exploitative and unjust.
Literally means "purification". In this context, it refers to both the purification of property through Zakat and the purification of the soul through obedience to Allah.
Zakat cannot be given to parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren, or one's spouse. You are already obligated to support them if needed. However, it can be given to other relatives like siblings, cousins, or aunts/uncles if they qualify.
No. Taxes paid to the government are a civic duty, but Zakat is a religious obligation with specific recipients defined by Allah. They are separate entities.
There is a difference of opinion among scholars. The Hanafi school considers all gold/silver jewelry zakatable regardless of use. The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools generally exempt permissible jewelry used for personal adornment. It is safer to pay.
Most scholars agree that Zakat should be given directly to individuals in the 8 prescribed categories. Construction of Mosques (Masajid) or cleaning services comes under 'general' charity (Sadaqah Nafilah), not obligatory Zakat.
Zakat is only payable on lawful (Halal) wealth. Wealth earned through impermissible means (Riba, theft, gambling) cannot be purified by paying Zakat; the entire amount must be given away without expectation of reward.
Zakat is due on all zakatable assets, including gold, silver, business merchandise, and investments, not just cash savings. Calculations should include the total value of these assets.