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What is Zakat
Zakat is an Islamic finance term referring to the obligation that an individual has to donate a certain proportion of wealth each year to charitable causes. Zakat is mandatory for all Muslims in most countries and is considered to be a form of worship. Giving away money to the poor is said to purify yearly earnings that are over and above what is required to provide a person and their family with their essential needs.
As one of the pillars of Islam, Zakat is a form of obligatory charity that has the potential to ease the suffering of millions. Crisis Aid utilises zakat to help some of the world’s poorest and most destitute communities. Your donations bring joy to these people and bring hope that one day they will be able to give rather than receive zakat.
With the literal meaning of the word being ‘to cleanse,’ Muslims believe that paying zakat purifies, increases and blesses the remainder of their wealth.
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Zakat is also a spiritual connection to one’s maker – to purify your wealth for the will of Allah is to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Him, and it is for Him that we strive to end poverty and help our brothers and sisters.
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Zakat is a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. It is customarily 2.5% of a Muslim's total savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as nisab, but Islamic scholars differ on how much nisab is and other aspects of zakat.
Who is eligible for Zakat
The Holy Qur’an determined who is eligible to receive Zakat, stating:
“As-Sadaqat (Zakat) are only for the Fuqara' (poor), and Al-Masakin (the needy) and those employed to collect (Zakat funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah's Cause (i.e. for Mujahidun - those fighting in the holy wars), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” - Chapter at-Tawbah Tevbe, 60
This means that Zakat donations cannot be given to just anyone. A husband cannot give his Zakat to his wife as he is already responsible for her, just as he is his children. A wife, though, is permitted to give Zakat to her husband, so long as he meets the relevant criteria – she must not benefit in any way from this donation (i.e. the husband using the funds to pay for a gift for his wife).
Those eligible to receive Zakat can be placed into one of eight categories, which are:
Zakat Categories
Breaking of an oath (Kafaarat Yameen). Oath is only permissible if it has been taken with Allah's name. Taking oath with other than Allah is not permissible.
Meaning low-income or indigent: This can mean a homeless person in your area, kids whose families qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, or orphans in Bangladesh. Anyone who does not have the funds to live a stable life, feeds themselves and their family, go to the doctor when they need to and grow up to be a productive citizen falls under this category.
Meaning someone who is in difficulty: Someone in need might not necessarily be poor, right? Some people are forced from their homes by war or natural disasters. Or imagine a mother who gets sick and cannot take care of her children. Even with money in the bank, they may still need help. Your zakat can be there for them.
It includes people who manage zakat funds whether in charitable organisations, masjid or in other institutions. If an Imam is involved in collecting Zakat funds, he can also be qualified to receive from such collections. It is important that only a reasonable amount is taken for this cause and it is not abused.
Meaning new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community: You read that right. Your zakat can be distributed to new Muslims, and to people in the larger community. This not only exemplifies the Muslim tradition of social justice for all, but shows reverts how important they are, and helps build bonds of cooperation and friendship between Muslims and non-Muslims.
(slaves and captives): Even though slavery is outlawed in most parts of the world, many people are still trafficked, meaning bought and sold, as slaves. Using zakat to help any of these people become free and independent again seems like a no-brainer.
Yes, zakat can help people pay their debts. Living with a great burden of debt can be debilitating to an individual or family, but your zakat can help.
This includes funding for dawah, Islamic propagation and media, Islamic institutes and universities, funding students of knowledge and supporting teachers preaching Islam and calling to goodness. It also includes any project or worthy cause that is directly involved in working in the broader meaning of the path of Allah.
Meaning those who are stranded or travelling with few resources: Whether a refugee who is fleeing violence in a distant country or a motorist stranded on the side of the road, God has designated that anyone who is away from home, out of cash and in need of help is eligible to receive your zakat.
Special Considerations
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, zakat is a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. This rule plays a major role in the history of Islam and has led to disputes, notably during the Ridda wars.
Zakat is considered to be a mandatory type of tax, although not all Muslims abide. In many countries with large Muslim populations, individuals can choose whether or not to pay zakat.
There has been considerable controversy and criticism surrounding zakat, though. Islamic scholars and development workers argue that it has failed to lift people out of poverty, prompting them to suggest that the funds are being wasted and mismanaged.
Important
A personal residence doesn't count toward wealth and thus, doesn't count when calculating zakat. Property used to generate income, such as a rental or vacation home, does.
How Do You Calculate Zakat?
Muslims should take inventory of their possessions and wealth. Once they reach nisab or the threshold, which is the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver, they must pay zakat. The total amount to be paid is 2.5% or 1/40 of their total savings and wealth. Muslims can use any number of zakat calculators which are available online to determine their obligations.
Individuals must meet a certain threshold known as nisab in order to qualify for zakat every lunar year. This is set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. People whose wealth exceeds the value of these amounts must pay 2.5% of the value of their wealth in zakat. Individuals who do not meet this limit are not obligated to pay.
“And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah”
Give Zakat
Crisis Aid utilises Zakat to help some of the world’s poorest and most destitute communities.
Your donations bring joy to these people and bring hope that one day they will be able to give rather than receive Zakat.
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