Zakat, also known as “charity” or “alms-giving,” is a
mandatory form of giving back to the community for Muslims. The word “zakat” means
“to purify” and it is considered a form of purifying one’s wealth by giving a
portion of it to those in need.
“…and those in whose wealth there is a recognised right, for the needy and deprived”
(Qur’an 70:24-5) One of the most commonly asked questions about Zakat is whether it
can be given as a donation. The answer is yes, Zakat can be given as a donation, but
it is important to note that it is a mandatory obligation for Muslims and not just a
voluntary act of charity.
There are three conditions that must be met for Zakat to be considered valid. First, the person giving Zakat must be a Muslim. Second, the wealth that is being given as Zakat must meet a certain threshold, known as the Nisab. And third, the wealth must be owned for a full lunar year before Zakat is due.
The nisab, or the threshold at which Zakat becomes mandatory, is currently set at 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. For cash and other forms of wealth, the nisab is determined by the current market value. Once the nisab is met, 2.5% of that wealth must be given as Zakat. This means that if a person’s wealth is worth $10,000, they would be liable to pay $250 in Zakat.
There are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat, known as the “ash-shabaab al-arham” (the eight most deserving of Zakat). 1. These include the poor, the needy, those working to collect Zakat, those whose hearts need to be reconciled, those in slavery, those in debt, those traveling in the cause of Allah, and those in the way of Allah. 2. If a person owes several years of Zakat, they can pay it all at once or make a plan to pay it off over time. It is important to note that paying Zakat late does not absolve the person of their obligation and they may still be liable for any penalties. 3. Eligible recipients of Zakat are those who are in need and cannot support themselves, regardless of their religion or nationality. This includes the poor, the needy, and those working to collect Zakat. Zakat is due in the Islamic month of Ramadan, but it can be given at any time throughout the year. Many Muslims choose to pay Zakat every month, but it is not mandatory. 4. Zakat is due on all forms of wealth, including salary. This means that if a person’s salary meets the nisab threshold, they must give 2.5% of it as Zakat. 5. There are several ways to pay Zakat, including giving it directly to eligible recipients, giving it to a Zakat collector, or donating it to a reputable Zakat organization like Abdul Ghani because it is important for you to ensure that your Zakat is being distributed to those in need in a timely manner.
Charity in the name of Allah, through the act of giving
zakat, can have significant positive impacts on both the individual performing
the charitable act and the society they reside in.
These benefits include:
1- Unification in the cause of Allah, with an angel praying for those who donate
for divine purposes.
2- Zakat also serves as a means of protection from hellfire for those who obey
Allah with complete faith.
3- Additionally, the act of donation promotes a sense of belongingness within
society by promoting balanced wealth distribution and uplifting the poor and
needy, thereby reducing social differences and fostering equality amongst
individuals as intended by Allah.
Zakat is an important obligation in Islam, but not everyone is required to pay it. Here are some pointers to help you determine if Zakat is mandatory for you:
Zakat is mandatory for Muslim adults who are of sound mind and own the minimum amount of Zakatable wealth (Nisab) for at least one lunar year.
Zakat is a form of charity in Islam that has many benefits
for individuals and society. Here are some pointers to calculate zakat and
understand the facts:
Zakat is not just an annual obligation, but a powerful tool for uplifting
and
serving the needy. Its significance is emphasized in the Quran, where it’s
mentioned
over 30 times and linked with prayer. By paying Zakat, we demonstrate our
commitment
to inner refinement and public service.