Introduction
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential part of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It is not just a form of charity; it is a duty and act of worship. The word Zakat means “purification” and “growth.” By giving Zakat, Muslims purify their wealth and help society grow by supporting the poor and needy.
In today’s world, many Muslims search for easy ways to calculate and understand Zakat. This guide will explain everything about Zakat in simple English, covering its meaning, rules, calculation, recipients, and modern applications.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is an obligatory charity that Muslims who meet certain wealth conditions must give every year. It is usually 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings and wealth that has been held for one lunar year (Hijri year).
Unlike voluntary charity (Sadaqah), Zakat is compulsory for those who qualify. It is a right of the poor over the wealth of the rich, as Allah ﷻ has mentioned in the Qur’an:
“Establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (Qur’an 2:110)
The Purpose of Zakat
The wisdom behind Zakat is both spiritual and social:
- Purification of Wealth: It cleans greed from the heart and purifies earnings.
- Helping the Poor: It reduces poverty and supports vulnerable communities.
- Building Equality: It balances wealth distribution in society.
- Obedience to Allah: It strengthens a Muslim’s faith and discipline.
In short, Zakat is not just about giving money — it’s about creating justice and compassion in society.
Who Must Pay Zakat? (Conditions of Zakat)
Not everyone has to pay Zakat. There are some conditions:
- Muslim – Zakat is only obligatory on Muslims.
- Adult & Sane – It applies to mature and mentally sound individuals.
- Nisab Threshold – The person must own wealth above a certain minimum amount called Nisab.
- One Lunar Year – The wealth must remain in possession for one Islamic year (Hawl).
- Free from Debt – If debts reduce wealth below Nisab, Zakat is not due.