What Is Zakat In Islam? Guide To Islamic Charity

What is zakat in Islam? This question opens the door to exploring one of the Five Pillars of Islam, illuminating its profound significance in Muslim faith and practice. Zakat, an essential Islamic charity, signifies the ‘purification of wealth’ and ‘growth,’ marking it as a mandatory act prescribed in Islam for financial and spiritual cleansing.

Zakat exemplifies the Islamic dedication to social welfare and economic justice, offering ‘benefits of zakat’ that extend beyond mere financial aid.

We uncover not only the mechanisms of zakat but also the spirit of compassion and community it fosters. Embrace the practice of ‘mandatory zakat,’ a cornerstone of faith that purifies wealth and brings hope and solidarity to the Islamic world. Let’s contribute to this noble ‘Islamic charity,’ ensuring our wealth’s purification and growth by aiding those in need.

What is zakat in Islam?

Zakat is defined as a compulsory act of charity and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required from every financially able Muslim. It involves donating a fixed portion of one’s wealth to those in need, with the primary aim of purifying the giver’s wealth and soul from selfishness and greed.

It is calculated as 2.5% of all savable wealth and assets that exceed a certain minimum amount known as nisab, over a lunar year.

Zakat in Quran and hadith

The foundations of zakat are deeply embedded in the Quran and Hadith, which provide the essential guidelines and spiritual context for this pillar of Islam. We explore how zakat is presented in these primary sources.

Zakat in the Quran

“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 frequently pairs zakat with prayer (Salah), emphasizing its importance as an act of worship.

For example:

“And establish prayer and give zakat, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” - Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43) commands

Several verses detail the obligation of zakat and its purpose to purify wealth and aid the needy.

Surah At-Tawbah (9:103) states,

“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.”

The Quran also warns against the hoarding of wealth and the refusal to pay zakat, highlighting the consequences in the hereafter for those who neglect this duty, as mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah (9:34-35)

“Those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. On the Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], ‘This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.”

Zakat in the Hadith:

Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).

If one gives in charity what equals (the size of) one date-fruit from the honestly-earned money and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money –Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Book 24, No. 491)

“Sadaqah (zakat) is only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect [zakat], to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam), to free the captives, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause (fi sabilillah), and for the wayfarer.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 24, Hadith 557)

“The wealth of a person does not decrease by paying Zakat” (Sahih Bukhari) “One who pays Zakat, Allah will make their wealth increase” (Sahih Bukhari) “The best charity is to pay Zakat on one’s wealth” (Sahih Muslim) “Zakat is a right that the poor have upon the rich” (Sahih Bukhari) “Giving Zakat is more beloved to Allah than giving in charity during the entire year” (Sahih Bukhari)

Importance of zakat in Islam

As a fundamental pillar of Islam, zakat is not only a religious obligation but also a means to forge a just society where the circulation of wealth ensures no individual is left in dire need.

Types of zakat

In Islamic tradition, zakat is categorized mainly into two types: Zakat al-Mal (Zakat on Wealth) and Zakat al-Fitr (Zakat on the Person). Below is an overview of each type:

Zakat al-Mal is the annual zakat due on a Muslim’s accumulated wealth over a lunar year. It is payable by those whose wealth exceeds a certain minimum threshold, known as nisab, and includes assets such as cash, gold, silver, business commodities, livestock, and agricultural produce, among others.

Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is a form of zakat that is paid by Muslims at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is obligatory for every Muslim, regardless of age or financial status, provided they have surplus food over their needs.

Through Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr, Islam fosters a society marked by compassion, mutual support, and social justice.

8 categories of zakat recipients in Quran

The eight categories of zakat recipients are outlined in the Quran in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), which specifies who is entitled to receive zakat. The ayah (verse) is as follows:

“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.”

This verse establishes a comprehensive framework for the distribution of zakat, ensuring it supports those in dire need and fosters the overall welfare of the Muslim community.

Who is eligible for zakat?

These categories ensure zakat serves as a comprehensive social welfare system, addressing various needs within the community. Eligibility for receiving zakat is determined by need and circumstance, rather than creed, race, or nationality, underscoring Islam’s emphasis on compassion and human dignity.

More Resources about Zakat

As we’ve explored the profound impact and significance of zakat in supporting those in need within our communities, we urge you to consider directing your zakat contributions towards the upliftment of our brothers and sisters in Africa. Africa Relief, a dedicated initiative working within the continent, focuses on providing essential aid, support, and development projects aimed at creating sustainable futures for the impoverished communities across Africa.

Let your zakat be a beacon of hope and change for Africa. Donate now to Africa Relief and be part of a collective effort to transform lives, one community at a time. Your generosity can pave the way for a brighter future, guided by compassion and the spirit of giving that is at the heart of zakat.