What Is Zakat? Meaning, Definition & Benefits

What is zakat? this is one of the five pillars of Islam, serves as a means to redistribute wealth to benefit the less fortunate around the world. This act of giving carries great spiritual significance, serving as a mandatory duty for those with the means to do so. It stands as one of the most effective tools in addressing social inequality and alleviating poverty. Your contribution can make a significant of zakat and impact by enabling us to provide essentials such as food packs, clean water, education, and more to those in need. Experience the convenience of paying Zakat online through Al-Wahab Foundation and join us in sustaining hope.

What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam which is an obligatory form of almsgiving or charity in the Islamic Shariah. According to this concept, a certain share of your wealth is given to those who are eligible to receive it. The word “Zakat” itself means “to purify” or “to cleanse,” and this act of giving is seen as a means of purifying one’s wealth and demonstrating obedience to Allah.

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (2:110, Qur’an)

Benefits of Paying Zakat

Zakat is a justified system devised according to Islamic Shariah laws according to which the wealth should move around in a society in a way that the poor and the needy are well-served. A few main benefits of paying Zakat include:

Social balance: By donating Zakat, you are contributing to creating a social balance and minimizing financial instability. When the wealth is given to those who are well-deserving from the ones who are wealthy, the inequality in society will be alleviated.
Economic Growth: When Zakat is distributed wisely, it can also stimulate economic growth within the community by providing capital to those in need to start or expand businesses. This can lead to job creation and overall economic development.
Source of Generosity: Paying Zakat encourages generosity and gratitude. Muslims are reminded of their blessings and are encouraged to share them with others.
Earn Countless Rewards: When you pay your Zakat, you have opened the door towards earning countless rewards for a lifetime. This obligatory act is one of the best sources to seek Allah’s blessings.

Who Has to Pay Zakat?

Zakat is the third pillar of our faith. It ensures our wealth is used to support the poorest and most marginalised in our community, who have a right over it. This is Fard (an obligation) for every Muslim adult, who is mentally sane and has a certain amount of wealth (Nisab) at 2.5% of their savings—once a year.

“The Believers, men, and women are protectors one of another: they enjoy what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay and obey Allah and His Messenger.” (Holy Qur’an 9:71)

Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat?

There are eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakat: the poor who are in financial distress, the needy who are in financial need, the administrators of Zakat or Zakat Collectors appointed by the State, those who have recently converted to Islam and need help, Zakat given to end slavery, those in debt, given in the name of God, and tour travellers, including refugees. You can pay Zakat online at AWF’s website.

Pay Zakat Online to Al-Wahab Foundation

Since our beginning, Al-Wahab Foundation has always considered an Amanah in the sight of Allah (SWT). We strive to run long-lasting, impactful projects with your Zakat donations, helping communities to break the poverty cycle and maximising your blessings.

You can pay Zakat online for:

Access to safe, clean water to improve health and sanitation
Food packs and cooked food to feed those in emergency need
Healthcare such as free eye surgery to help people back into work.
Access to education with a Maktab for disadvantaged children by keeping them off the streets
Women empowerment projects that help widows learn skills and earn stable income.

How to Calculate Zakat?

Use our simple Zakat calculator to work out how much Zakat you need to pay. The nisaab is the equivalent value of 87.48 grams of gold; 612.36 grams of silver. Every Sahib-e-Nisaab should give 2.5 % of their unencumbered wealth every year, to help those who are in need.