Zakat : A Pillar of Islam
"Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 9:103)
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes feeding the hungry and helping the poor as acts of righteousness. For instance, Allah commands:
"...And establish prayer and give Zakat, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:43)
Since the month of Ramadan is associated with forgiveness, blessings, helping others, prayer, and gratitude, Zakat is often given during this month. This act of worship connects prayer with compassion, making it a comprehensive form of devotion.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth."
(Sahih Muslim: 2588)
Conditions for Giving Zakat :
Zakat becomes obligatory when certain conditions are met. If you possess wealth exceeding the minimum exemption limit, known as Nisab, you must give Zakat to the needy. The Nisab threshold is equivalent to:
- 7.5 tolas (87.48 grams) of gold, or
- 52.5 tolas (612.36 grams) of silver, or its equivalent in cash or trade goods.
Moreover, if your wealth equals or surpasses the Nisab at both the beginning and the end of the lunar year, Zakat is due. However, if your wealth falls below this threshold at the end of the year, Zakat is not required.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained this principle:
"There is no Zakat on property until a year passes on it."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1792)
Assets Subject to Zakat :
Gold, Silver, and Jewelry:
- Zakat is obligatory on gold and silver ornaments and jewelry, provided they exceed the Nisab.
Bank Deposits and Provident Funds:
- All forms of savings, including bank deposits and provident funds, are liable for Zakat.
Agricultural Produce:
- If your land is irrigated by rain or natural water channels, you must pay Zakat on the yield. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
"For what is watered by the sky, one-tenth (10%) is due, and for what is watered by irrigation, one-half of one-tenth (5%) is due."
(Sahih Bukhari: 1483)
- If your land is irrigated by rain or natural water channels, you must pay Zakat on the yield. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
Livestock:
- Zakat is obligatory on grazing livestock (goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, and camels) if they are reared for trade or exceed a specific number.
Who Cannot Receive Zakat :
Zakat must be given to eligible recipients as specified in the Quran:
"Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler—an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 9:60)
However, Zakat cannot be given to the following individuals or causes:
Close Relatives:
- Parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren cannot receive Zakat.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that spending on these individuals is a form of duty rather than charity.
Spouse:
- A husband or wife cannot give Zakat to one another.
Sayyeds (Descendants of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him):
- Zakat cannot be given to members of the Prophet’s household (Ahl al-Bayt). The Prophet said:
"Charity is not permissible for Muhammad or the family of Muhammad; it is only the impurities of people."
(Sahih Muslim: 1072)
- Zakat cannot be given to members of the Prophet’s household (Ahl al-Bayt). The Prophet said:
Mosques:
- Zakat cannot be used for mosque maintenance or repairs.
Funeral Expenses:
- Zakat cannot be used to cover burial or funeral costs.
The Wealthy:
- Those who own wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold are ineligible for Zakat.
Conclusion :
Zakat is not just a financial obligation but a profound act of worship designed to purify wealth, support the less fortunate, and strengthen communal bonds. By giving Zakat, Muslims fulfill their duty to Allah and society, spreading blessings and fostering economic equality.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) summarized its importance beautifully:
"Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, the establishment of prayer, the giving of Zakat, the pilgrimage to the House, and the fasting of Ramadan."
(Sahih Bukhari: 8)
Let us remember the wisdom of Zakat and strive to implement it correctly in our lives, seeking Allah’s pleasure and the betterment of our communities.
