Introduction

ISLAM & ZAKAT

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’, its status in Islam is very high and no one can deny it. It is the act of purifying one’s wealth as well as soul. Paying Zakat is beneficial for both the giver and taker because as it gives financial assistance to the taker, on the other hand by giving off zakat, the giver purifies his wealth and soul. He comes out of his greed and thirst for saving money for himself. Whatever the blessings we have been given from Allah Almighty is not just for ourselves but it is to be shared among those who need it. Therefore, it is important to pay Zakat instead of keeping the money saved for oneself. Muslims pay Zakat in order to obey Allah’s command.

As the Quran says:

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا

“Take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them.”

Zakat is a path that leads the payer to Allah’s goodwill, and the one who is eligible of paying Zakat but still ignores it shall be punished strictly on the Day of Judgement.

Zakat secures the status of the poor and needy people of society. The payer or distributors of Zakat make sure that it has been given to the deserving and in this way they can fulfil their basic necessities of life. All well-to-do Muslims give it to the needy people of society. Salah is worship by body and Zakat is worship by wealth. But at 70 places in the Holy Book of Instructions, the Qur’an, the command of offering Salah (namaz) and paying Zakat coexist.

Glorious Allah states in the Holy Quran:

“And establish regular Zakat and give regular Zakat.”

Almighty Allah has greatly emphasized on the importance of paying Zakat. More than eighty times, it has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

The Qur’an says in Surah Al-Ahzab

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”

Zakat FAQ's

What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the important pillars among the five pillars of Islam. It is compulsory act intended by Allah to be performed by every adult Muslim. It is part of the wealth that Muslims must pay annually, to support the poor & needy.

What is the meaning of Zakat?

Zakat literally means "to increase, to be clear, to raise" It comes from the root letters za, kaf, ya, which has several meanings: to be clean, to pay the compulsory charity, to be pure, and to praise oneself, to justify. It can also be considered a form of sadaqah (charity), given to the poor.

What are Zakat able assets?

Following assets can be included as zakat deductible. Business stock, gold, silver, cash, mutual funds, livestock, minerals, agriculture and produce.

What is the amount of wealth/assets where zakat becomes liable?

The Prophet (PBUH) fixed the nisab of gold and silver which are 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 of silver. The value of both metals changes every day so one has to consider the current rate in mind while calculating Zakat amount. To benefit the poor, scholars consider the nisab whichever is less.

Who are the Payees of Zakat?

The Qur’an (Chapter 9, verse 60) categorize the distribution of Zakat in eight groups:

  1. The poor (al-fuqara) – someone with little to no income.
  2. The needy {al-masakin) – someone in difficulty.
  3. Zakat administrators – such as charities.
  4. New Muslims and friends of the Islamic community.
  5. Those in bondage – such as slaves and captives.
  6. Those in debt.
  7. For the cause of Allah.
  8. The wayfarer – those who are stranded and/or travelling with little resources.

After How long is the acquisition of Nisab, Zakat becomes compulsory?

A person has to have nisab for at least one lunar year after which zakat becomes compulsory to pay.

Can Zakat be paid in instalments or in advance?

It is also allowed to pay the Zakat in instalments, although it is recommended to have it paid in one single transaction. You can pay your Zakat in advance or on the due date, as long as you are sure that your wealth will remain the same.

What is Nisab of Zakat?

To be eligible for Zakat a Muslim must possess minimum amount of wealth. Two values are used to calculate the threshold of Nisab – Gold and Silver. The Nisab is the value of 87.48 grams of Gold or 612.36 grams of Silver.

How much is Zakat?

Zakat is 2.5% of total wealth. If you have £1,000 of wealth you are then liable to pay Zakat of £25.

Calculate Your Zakat

Enter all assets that have been in your possession over a lunar year in the text boxes below:
Nisab threshold
Cash
Gold and Silver
Trade Goods
Liabilities
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Contact Mufti Muhammad Umer Irfan

Zakat and Sadqat given to PCHF are spend in compliance to Shariah laws. You can contact our learned Mufti for any guidance related to Zakat matters. +92 333 8862927

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