Zakat meaning
The literal meaning of “zakat” (الزَّكٰوةَ) in Arabic is “purification” or “growth.” It signifies the act of purifying one’s wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need, thereby fostering spiritual and social growth.
What is Zakat in Islam?
Zakat (or Zakāh) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Zakat is a type of almsgiving, typically gathered by the Muslim Ummah. In Islam, it is a religious obligation and is ranked next in importance after prayer (salat) according to the Quran. The Quran identifies eight specific categories of recipients who are eligible to receive zakat.
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, zakat is a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the required wealth criteria, intended to assist those in need. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, zakat is a religious duty for wealthy Muslims to help the poor. The payment and disputes over zakat have significantly influenced the history of Islam, especially during the Ridda Wars.
What is Nisab?
Zakat on wealth is calculated based on the total value of all one’s possessions. Traditionally, it amounts to 2.5% (or 1/40) of a Muslim’s total savings and wealth exceeding a minimum threshold known as nisab each lunar year. The nisab of zakat is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they are obligated to pay zkat. This threshold is based on the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.If a Muslim’s wealth exceeds this amount, they must pay zakat. The exact value of nisab can vary depending on the current market prices of gold and silver.
How to calculate Zakat in Islam?
You determine the amount of zakat you need to pay by calculating the value of your net assets. You should then check if your net assets meet or exceed the nisab threshold.
To calculate zakaat, follow these steps:
Determine Your Total Wealth: Add up all your eligible wealth, including cash, savings, gold, silver, and other assets.
Subtract Liabilities: Deduct any debts or obligations you owe from your total wealth to find your net wealth.
Check Against Nisab: Compare your net wealth to the nisab threshold (85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver). If your net wealth is above this amount, you are required to pay zkat.
Calculate Zakaat: Multiply your net wealth by 2.5% (or 1/40) to determine the amount of zakaat you need to pay.
Difference between Fitra and Zakat
Zakaat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an obligatory form of charity, unlike Sadaqah or Waqf. There are two forms of zakaat, both of which are obligatory.
Key Rules for Paying and Receiving Zakat
There are specific guidelines regarding who can pay zkat, how to pay it, and who is eligible to receive it. Here are five key rules to know:
Eligibility to Pay Zakat: Every adult, sane Muslim is required to pay zkat on their wealth annually, provided they meet additional criteria, such as being debt-free.
Fixed Amount: Zkat is set at 2.5% of the surplus wealth held for one lunar year.
Ownership Duration: The payer must have owned the nisab (minimum amount of wealth) for one lunar year before paying zakat on their surplus.
Timeliness: Zakaat should be paid as soon as it becomes due, which is one lunar year from the anniversary of acquiring the nisab.
Eligibility to Receive Zakat: Only individuals who meet specific criteria are eligible to receive zkat.
The importance of Zakat in Islam
Zakat is crucial in Islam as it serves both spiritual and social purposes. It purifies wealth and the soul, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam. By redistributing wealth from the affluent to the needy, it promotes social justice and reduces inequality. Zkat supports the poor, orphans, and vulnerable groups, and helps strengthen community bonds, reflecting a Muslim’s commitment to faith and social responsibility.
Key Rules for Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is the second type of zakat. It is obligatory and must be paid annually during Ramadan, before Eid. It applies to every household member, regardless of age or status.
Here are three key rules to know about Zakat al Fitr:
Timing: Fitrana must be paid once a year during Ramadan, before Eid ul Fitr.
Scope: Zakat is required for every member of the household, regardless of their age or status.
Amount: The value of Fitrana is equivalent to the cost of one meal, and it must be distributed to those in need before the Eid prayer.
The importance of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is vital as it purifies the fast of Ramadan and ensures that the poor and needy can partake in the Eid celebrations. It is an obligatory act of charity that underscores the importance of social responsibility and inclusivity. By providing for those less fortunate, it strengthens community bonds and fosters unity during Eid.
Benefits of Zakat in Islam
Following points shows benefits and importance of Zakat in Quran and Hadith:
Zakat helps build love, harmony, and connection among Muslims.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Charity removes sins just as water puts out a fire.”
Zakat helps purify your wealth and soul. It teaches discipline, shows your obedience to Allah, and increases your love for fellow Muslims around the world.
In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, a believer’s charity will serve as their shade.”
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “If someone gives in charity the equivalent of a single date-fruit from honestly earned money—and Allah only accepts what is earned honestly—Allah takes it in His right hand and then multiplies its reward for the giver, just as one might raise a baby horse until it grows as large as a mountain.”
“Paying zakat does not diminish a person’s wealth” (Sahih Bukhari).
“The most valuable form of charity is paying zakat on one’s wealth” (Sahih Muslim).
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “I would be most pleased if Uhud were turned into gold for me, and no dinar of it would remain with me for more than three nights, except for one dinar that I would reserve to repay my debt.”
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “Allah says, ‘Spend, and I will give to you. My wealth never runs out, even if you spend a lot all the time.’”
In the Quran Allah says:
وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ وَ ارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِیْنَ(43)
And establish prayer, give Zakaat and bow with those who bow. (Al-Baqarah: 43)
وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَؕ-وَ مَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِكُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ(110)
“And establish prayer and give alms to the poor. Whatever good you do for yourself, you will find its reward with Allah. Indeed, Allah sees everything you do.” ( Al-Baqarah: 110)
اِنَّمَا وَلِیُّكُمُ اللّٰهُ وَ رَسُوْلُهٗ وَ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا الَّذِیْنَ یُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوةَ وَ یُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّكٰوةَ وَ هُمْ رٰكِعُوْنَ(55)
“”Your friends are only Allah, His Messenger, and the believers who establish prayer, give zakat, and bow in submission to Allah.”” (Al-Maidah: 55)
The Qur’an calls believers brothers in faith, and paying zakat is a great way to show this bond.
وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍۘ-یَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَ یَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَ یُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوةَ وَ یُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّكٰوةَ وَ یُطِیْعُوْنَ اللّٰهَ وَ رَسُوْلَهٗؕ-اُولٰٓىٕكَ سَیَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّٰهُؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ(71)
“And Muslim men and Muslim women are allies of one another; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, establish prayer, give zkat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those are the ones whom Allah will soon show mercy. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”
As Allah (swt) says above, those who fulfill the obligation of paying zakaat not only uphold the trust He has given them but also become recipients of His Mercy.
Why is Zakat important to a Muslim?
Zakaat is an interesting Arabic word that means cleanliness, growth, blessing, and praise. It purifies your wealth, brings more blessings, and earns you great rewards. Zakaat is a mandatory tax for every Muslim to help the poor and strengthen communities.
