Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and an obligation on every adult Muslim who qualifies to pay this. During Ramadan, Zakat holds extra significance and many Muslims opt to pay their Zakat during the blessed month. Ramadan this year falls from 22nd March to 21st April 2023.
What is Zakat?
In Islam, Zakat is a form of annual charitable giving which redistributes wealth from the rich to the poor. It supports the aim of a fair and prosperous society by providing community and social support to those less fortunate. For the donor who gives for the sake of Allah (swt), Zakat is a means to purify wealth, prevent hoarding, increase gratitude to Allah (swt) and strengthen faith.
What does the Qur’an say about Zakat?
Yet you shall duly establish the Prayer. And you shall give the Zakat-Charity, and therewith lend God a most goodly loan. For whatever good you advance for your souls, you shall find its reward with God in the Hereafter; yet it shall be far better and much greater in reward (Holy Qur’an 73:20).
Then steadfastly continue to duly establish the Prayer and give the Zakat-Charity (Holy Qur’an 58:13).
For woe to those who associate gods with God, those who do not give the Zakat-Charity, those who are disbelievers in the Hereafter (Holy Qur’an 41:7).
How much is Zakat?
Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of an adult Muslim’s wealth and assets who is sane and able to do so. This includes cash, savings in the bank, property (apart from the home you live in), stocks, shares, investments, gold, and silver (including jewellery).
Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status. (Sahih Muslim)
Is Zakat an obligation? Who must pay it?
Any Muslim who is an adult and is of sound mind is obliged to pay Zakat once per year, provided they meet the Nisaab (threshold).
What is the Nisaab?
The Nisaab was set by the Prophet (pbuh) and is the amount of gold and silver considered to be the minimum amount needed to be eligible to pay Zakat. It is approximately 88g of gold and 613g of silver at the current rate. If you meet this amount in savings and assets, then you are obliged to pay Zakat.
Who receives Zakat?
Unlike Sadaqah (voluntary giving), Zakat cannot be given to anyone as it is ordained to address the needs of specific groups of the community. There are 8 clear categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat as mentioned in the Qur’an. These are:
“Indeed, Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and the needy, and to those who work on [administering] it, and for bringing hearts together, and to [free] those in bondage, and for those in debt, and for the cause of God, and for the stranded traveller. This is an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.” (Holy Qur’an 9:60)
When should Zakat be paid?
Zakat should be paid once a year. When you decide to pay this is entirely up to you. Many Muslims choose to pay this during Ramadan each year to gain the extra blessings of the month.
What if I can’t afford to pay Zakat?
If you do not meet the threshold (Nisaab) to pay Zakat, you may be eligible to receive Zakat. You can also still give charity as Sadaqah which is voluntary charity, as much or as little as you wish and as many times as you wish.
All charitable giving, whether Zakat or Sadaqah, is a commendable act which brings reward, forgiveness from sins and brings you close to Allah (swt).
Pay your Zakat now with our 100% donation policy.
Across the world, Muslims pay their Zakat each year to help those who are vulnerable or living in poverty.
At Al-Wahab Foundation, we understand how important this act of worship is to you when you give. For over 10 years, we have been distributing your Zakat in line with our 100% donation policy. This means that every penny from your Zakat donation goes to help someone in need.
Your Zakat with Al-Wahab Foundation.
Your Zakat can provide aid, sustenance and solutions to poverty for people across Pakistan, Turkey, and Africa (Uganda), keeping hopes alive and brightening futures. Our trusted aid chains and teams on the ground ensure that your Zakat fulfils your intentions and reaches the most vulnerable people.
From providing food packs for families for a whole month, to cooked meals, water pumps, water wells, supporting a child into education via a Maktab, providing livelihood support and more, your Zakat can really change lives.
Donate now and fulfil your obligation with us. Keep hopes alive with your Zakat.
