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Zakat in Ramadan

July 25, 2022

The best time of the year is also the time that many of us choose to pay our Zakat. It’s usually the time we start to search around for the best projects and charities to give our annual Zakat to.

This is how the early Muslims did it.

The tradition of giving Zakat in Ramadan dates even from the days of the Prophet (pbuh). His noble Companion and third Caliph ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan often said to his fellow Muslims about Ramadan: “Here is the month for you to pay your Zakat. If you have debts, then pay them off so that you can sort out your wealth and take Zakat from it” [Malik’s Muwatta].

From its inception as Fard or an obligation on every abled Muslim in the second year of Hijrat, Zakat served as an important reminder for the rich to show gratitude to Allah (swt) and strive towards protecting those less fortunate than them. So, we’re not surprised that they chose the month that most embodies our love for Him to distribute their alms to the mustahiqeen—the ones most in need.

The rewards are manifold.

Giving Zakat already has the wonderful benefit of purifying our wealth and attracting even more Barakah (blessing) in our lives. Our generous Creator also promises to multiply these rewards if we choose to donate our Zakat in Ramadan.

According to a famous Hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) Himself incorporated as much charity in his routine as possible during the blessed month:

“Allah’s Messenger (saw) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan. Jibril (as) would meet him every year during the month of Ramadan until it ended, and Allah’s Messenger (saw) recited to him the Qur’an; and when Jibril (as) met him, Allah’s Messenger (saw) was more generous in giving charity than the blowing wind.” [Muslim]

There’s more! If we give Zakat on the night of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power)—”a night which is better than a thousand months” (Quran, 97:3)—it is as if we’ve given charity for 83 years. This beautiful night hides among the last 10 of Ramadan, so be consistent if you don’t want to miss it!

 You honour the true spirit of Ramadan—that of community.

Our love, respect and devotion to our Maker are at the heart of Ramadan. But we shouldn’t forget that Allah’s Messenger proclaimed this to also be “the month of sympathy for other people” (Ibn Khuzaimah).

Through sponsoring an Iftar meal for those who can’t afford it, we enable them both to keep Sawm (fast) during the day and to follow the Sunnah of breaking their fast at sunset, which are fundamental acts of love for God.

So, when we pay Zakat to our ummah in Ramadan, we honour the essence of this month by helping our brothers and sisters in need celebrate with us.

Can I give my Zakat to AWF?

Yes. Most of our Ramadan projects at Ummah Charity International are Zakat eligible. From providing immediate aid in the form of an Iftar meal to facilitating sustainable change through the installation of a water well in a small village in Pakistan, you can be sure that 100% your contributions will go straight to those who need your help the most.

This powerful pillar of Islam is more essential than ever in these times of uncertainty that we are navigating. In Pakistan, many people who lost their jobs, were suddenly faced with homelessness, and suffered from the effects of the global pandemic depend now on your Zakat to find a sense of stability again. Can you help them?

If you already know how much Zakat you owe this year, then go ahead and pick your project. Otherwise, use our Zakat calculator to calculate your Zakat in minutes.

For Nisab rates, or to see if you are a Sahib-E-Nisaab (person eligible to give Zakat), as well as all you need to know about giving Zakat in Ramadan, read our comprehensive Zakat guide here.

Don’t forget to give Zakat al-Fitr!

It’s easy to confuse Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana, with Zakat. But you need to remember that, unlike Zakat, which can be given at any time during the year, Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory in Ramadan.

Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable giving paid by the head of the family for every member of the household towards feeding a poor person at the breaking of the fast on Eid al-Fitr. You can pay your Fitrana with UCI before the Eid-Salah.

And, for an extra reward, why not top your Fitrana with a small Eid gift that can put the smile back on a child’s face?

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