بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
عن عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «عمدة الإسلام أن تشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً رسول الله، وتقيم الصلاة، وتؤتي الزكاة، وتصوم رمضان، وتحج البيت إن استطعت إليه سبيلاً».
On the authority of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The pillars of Islam are five: to testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give zakat, to fast Ramadan, and to perform Hajj to the House [i.e., the Ka’bah in Makkah] for whoever is able to do so.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
Zakat is an obligatory act of charity in Islam that is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a duty on every Muslim who is financially able to pay a portion of their wealth to those in need. The purpose of zakat is to purify one’s wealth and help those who are less fortunate.
The amount of zakat is calculated based on the value of a person’s wealth and assets. The formula for calculating zakat is as follows:
Zakat = 2.5% x (the value of your assets – your debts)
In other words, a person must pay 2.5% of the total value of their assets, after deducting any debts that they owe. The assets that are subject to zakat include money, gold, silver, business inventory, and other valuable possessions.
Zakat is usually calculated on an annual basis and must be paid to those in need, such as the poor, the needy, and the destitute. It can also be used to support charitable causes, such as building schools or hospitals, providing clean water, or supporting orphanages.
The payment of zakat is an important aspect of Islamic finance and is a means of promoting social justice and equity. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their wealth and to share it with others, especially those in need. The payment of zakat is also a means of seeking the blessings of Allah and purifying one’s wealth and soul.
A: Zakat is an obligatory charitable contribution that Muslims are required to pay annually. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered an act of worship.
A: The purpose of Zakat in Islam is to purify one’s wealth and to help those in need. It is a means of redistributing wealth and ensuring that the basic needs of the poor and needy are met.
A: Muslims are required to pay 2.5% of their annual savings (Nisab) as Zakat. Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that a Muslim must possess in order to be liable for Zakat.
A: Gold, silver, cash, and other assets that can be measured in terms of value are subject to Zakat. This includes savings, investments, and business profits.
Those who lack access to potable water and sanitary facilities are undeniably in need, and according to Allah’s (SWT) instructions, those in need are appropriate beneficiaries of Zakat. Please consider supporting our effort to secure clean water by contributing to our Zakat.
A: Zakat should be given to the poor and needy, including widows, orphans, and the destitute. It can also be given to those in debt, travelers in need, and those working to free slaves.
A: Zakat is not permissible to be spent on the construction of a Mosque and Masjid. The is because it does not fit under any of the eight categories mentioned in the Ayah of Surah Tawbah. It is our duty to follow the instructions set by Allah (SWT) and the guidance of knowledgeable scholars, meaning you cannot spend your Zakat to fund a mosque.
A: It is permissible to spend your Zakat on building a well. Those who lack access to clean water and sanitary facilities are undeniably in need, and according to Allah’s (SWT) instructions, those in need are appropriate beneficiaries of Zakat. Please consider supporting and contributing to our effort to secure Clean Water.
A: No, Zakat cannot be given to non-Muslims. However, Muslims are encouraged to give voluntary charity (Sadaqah) to non-Muslims in need.
A: Zakat cannot be given to one’s immediate family members, such as parents, children, and spouses. However, it can be given to more distant relatives who are in need.
A: Yes, Zakat can be given to reputable organizations or charities that distribute Zakat to those in need.
A: Zakat is due after a full lunar year (Hijri year) has passed since the wealth reached the Nisab threshold.
A: Yes, Zakat can be paid in advance. However, it is recommended to pay Zakat during Ramadan or on Eid al-Fitr.
A: Failure to pay Zakat is considered a sin in Islam. If someone deliberately avoids paying Zakat, they will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.
A: No, Zakat is a specific obligation that must be paid annually, while Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity that can be given at any time.
A: Yes, Zakat can be given in kind instead of money, as long as the value of the goods donated equals the amount of Zakat owed.
A: Muslims believe that paying Zakat is a means of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. It is also believed to bring blessings and increase one’s wealth.