Zakat purifies wealth and purifies the soul. Learn about this fundamental Islamic obligation through Quranic teachings, calculate your Zakat accurately, and fulfill this sacred duty.
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, an obligatory form of almsgiving that purifies wealth and distributes it to those in need. It is both a spiritual act and a social responsibility.
Zakat purifies wealth by removing the love of wealth from the heart and encouraging generosity.
It ensures wealth circulation in society, helping the poor, orphans, widows, and needy.
Fulfilling Zakat brings spiritual rewards and strengthens the bond with Allah and community.
Zakat is not merely charity; it is a systematic wealth redistribution system ordained by Allah to prevent wealth concentration and ensure social welfare. By giving 2.5% of accumulated wealth annually, Muslims purify their wealth and contribute to building a just and compassionate society.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Zakat is the bridge of Islam. Whoever pays it, let him do so gladly, and whoever does not pay it, we will take it along with a misfortune from his body." (Tabarani)
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Zakat, establishing it as a fundamental obligation and mercy for the believers.
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43)
"And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]."
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا
Surah At-Tawbah (9:103)
"Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase..."
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ
Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)
"Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the orphan and for the widow and for the disabled and for the traveler and for those who ask..."
Allah commands the believers to establish prayer and give Zakat, making it obligatory alongside the five daily prayers. This divine command reflects Zakat's essential role in spiritual purification and social welfare.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized Zakat's importance through his teachings and actions, showing its role in spiritual purification and community welfare.
بُنِيَ الإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (Sahih Bukhari)
"Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, pilgrimage to the House, and fasting Ramadan."
الزَّكَاةُ جِسْرُ الإِسْلَامِ، مَنْ أَدَّاهَا طَوْعًا خَيْرٌ لَهُ، وَمَنْ مَنَعَهَا أَخَذْنَاهَا مَعَ شِقْوَةٍ مِنْ جَسَدِهِ
Narrated by Abu Dawood
"Zakat is the bridge of Islam. Whoever pays it willingly, it is good for him, and whoever withholds it, We will take it along with a misfortune from his body."
مَنْ أَدَّى زَكَاةَ مَالِهِ فَقَدْ ذَهَبَ عَنْهُ شَرُّهُ
Narrated by Tabarani
"Whoever pays the Zakat of his wealth, its evil has been removed from it."
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the most generous of people, especially during Ramadan when the angel Jibril would meet him and review the Quran with him. He would be more generous than the blowing wind.
His love for Zakat and charity was so great that he said: "Even if you had a single date, spend it in charity rather than keeping it for yourself."
Zakat becomes obligatory when certain conditions are met. Understanding these conditions ensures you fulfill this sacred duty correctly.
Zakat is not merely a tax, but a deeply personal act of worship that requires both material and spiritual readiness. Here are the conditions that guide us in understanding when this sacred duty becomes obligatory.
Zakat is a sacred obligation for Muslims, reflecting our submission to Allah and care for our community.
Those who are enslaved are not required to pay Zakat, as their circumstances prevent true ownership of wealth.
One must have reached the age of puberty, marking the transition to full religious responsibility.
Mental capacity is essential for understanding and fulfilling this religious duty with proper intention.
Possession of wealth above the Nisab level indicates Allah's blessing and the ability to share with others.
A complete lunar year must pass on the wealth, allowing it to grow and establish stability.
"These conditions remind us that Zakat is not just about wealth, but about our relationship with Allah and our responsibility to our community."
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87.48 grams
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Silver Standard
612.36 grams
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Below Nisab Threshold
Your net wealth (₦0) is below the Nisab threshold (₦0). Zakat is not obligatory, but you can still give Sadaqah.
Even though Zakat is not obligatory, voluntary charity (Sadaqah) is highly rewarded.
Give SadaqahStart tracking your Zakat anniversary date (Hawl). We'll remind you when your lunar year is complete.
Today's date: 19 Sha'ban 1447 AH
Understanding who receives Zakat ensures your charitable giving fulfills its sacred purpose and reaches those most in need.
Allah specifies eight categories of people who are entitled to receive Zakat, ensuring it reaches those most in need and serves the greater good.
الْفُقَرَاءُ
Those who have insufficient means to meet their basic needs
الْمَسَاكِينُ
Those who have some means but still need assistance
الْعَامِلُونَ عَلَيْهَا
Those who collect and distribute Zakat
الْمُؤَلَّفَةُ قُلُوبُهُمْ
Those whose hearts are to be reconciled to Islam
فِي الرِّقَابِ
Freeing captives and slaves
الْغَارِمُونَ
Those burdened with overwhelming debt
فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ
Those fighting or working in Allah's cause
ابْنُ السَّبِيلِ
Travelers who are stranded or in need
"And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]."
- Quran 2:43
While all eight categories are valid recipients, Islamic scholars recommend prioritizing distribution based on urgency of need. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Start with yourself and your dependents."
Local Zakat committees assess needs and distribute accordingly, ensuring Zakat reaches those who benefit most from it in your community.
Common questions and misconceptions about Zakat answered by Islamic scholars
For personalized Zakat advice or complex financial situations, consult with qualified Islamic scholars or Zakat experts in your local community.
Remember: The intention (Niyyah) is crucial. Zakat must be given with sincere intention to fulfill this religious obligation and help those in need.
Your Zakat not only purifies your wealth but also brings blessings and helps build a compassionate society. Join thousands who have fulfilled this sacred obligation through Sadaqa.ng.
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💡 Pro Tip: Paying Zakat in Ramadan multiplies your rewards!