As one of the pillars of Islam, zakat is a form of obligatory charity that has the potential to ease the suffering of millions. With the literal meaning of the word being ‘ to cleanse ,’ Muslims believe that paying zakat purifies, increases and blesses the remainder of their wealth.
What is Zakat called in English?
When translated to English, ‘zakat’ takes on the meaning of ‘alms-giving’ or ‘charity ,’ but this definition is rather misleading, as it is not an ordinary type of charitable giving like that associated with the other Arabic word for charity ‘sadaqah’ (صدقة).
Whats the meaning of zakah?
Zakah is the practice where a Muslim gives 2.5 per cent of their wealth over a certain amount to charity , after they have paid for what is necessary to support themselves and their families. This means that people who are too poor will not be required to suffer hardship to give Zakah.
What is zakat and its importance?
Zakat is a fascinating word in Arabic. It relates to cleanliness, growth, blessing and praise . This form of charity helps to purify your wealth, increases blessings in your life and gains you much reward. Zakat is an obligatory tax on every Muslim designed to help the poor and empower communities.
Who is eligible for Zakat?
To be eligible to receive zakat, the recipient must be poor and/or needy . A poor person is someone whose property, in excess of his basic requirements, does not reach the nisab threshold. The recipient must not belong to your immediate family; your spouse, children, parents and grandparents cannot receive your zakat.
What is zakat in simple words?
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 a mandatory process for Muslims and is regarded as a form of worship.
At what age is zakat compulsory?
A child is not liable to pay zakat, even if they possess wealth above the nisab threshold. The first zakat payment will become due twelve lunar months after the child reaches the age of puberty , if they possess wealth above the nisab.
How much is zakat on money?
Zakat is payable at 2.5% of the wealth one possesses above the nisab . Nisab, which is equal to three ounces of gold, is the minimum amount of wealth one must have before they are liable to pay zakat.
How is Zakat paid on salary?
- Work out what you own.
- Then take off what you owe (any debts)
- Check that the balance is above the Nisab threshold.
- Work out 2.5% of that amount, which is the amount of Zakat you need to pay across the year.
How is zakat calculated in Islam?
The technical definition of Zakat is a charitable donation made by Muslims, calculated as 2.5% of their surplus wealth . In simple terms, Zakat is calculated as 2.5% percent of your savings and financial assets that are not used towards your living expenses.
How can Zakat be used?
The Zakat will be used to cover the direct expenses of the team involved in delivering the Zakat . Zakat may be given to those in debt. The Hanafi school permit the payment of Zakat to any person whose liabilities exceed his Zakatable and surplus assets. ... It is not necessary to give the Zakat in his hand.
How many types of Zakat are there?
But, are there different types of Zakat? The answer is YES. There are two types of Zakat that Muslims are obligated to pay: Zakat Al-Mal, or Zakat on Wealth, and Zakat Al-Fitr, the Zakat of Fast-Breaking, for the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan.
What are the items of Zakat?
Assets that are included in the Zakat calculation are cash, shares, pensions, gold and silver, business goods and income from investment property . Personal items such as home, furniture, cars, food and clothing (unless used for business purposes) are not included.
Can we give Zakat to brother?
Ibn ‘Abbas reportedly said: “One should give Zakat to relatives in need”. Al-Hasan (the Prophet’s grandson) enthusiastically affirmed one’s right to give Zakat to a brother . ... The early scholar known as Ibrahim permitted a woman to give Zakat to her sister.
Can we give Zakat to Madrasa?
Allah will give best rewards to them. They should give 2.5% to the poor, destitute, labourers and keep 7.5% for madrasas . Limiting the charity to only Zakat is not right for the rich and affluent people.” ... “2.5% is minimum limit which every Muslim eligible to give Zakat should give.
Can we give Zakat to Masjid?
The short answer to the query that can zakat be given to mosques is no . In light of the aforementioned verse from the holy book, there are eight categories. Only these people are eligible for zakat. ... However, zakat cannot be given for refurbishment purposes as well.
