Zakat
Zakat
Zakat (alms-giving) means ‘to purify’ and is an obligatory duty upon eligible Muslims once every Islamic lunar year. This act of worship-charity builds a divine connection with Allah SWT. Calculated at 2.5% of excess wealth, Zakat is only obligatory on financial assets unused for living expenses.
A FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH
As the third most important pillar of Islam, Zakat has the potential to ease the suffering of the needy. It assists impoverished communities in meeting their fundamental necessities with ease and dignity.
Mentioning the utmost importance of Zakat, Allah SWT says in The Holy Quran:
“Those who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give zakat and they have faith in the Hereafter with certainty.”
(Surah Luqman, Chapter 31, verse 4)
HOW IS ZAKAT CALCULATED?
‘Nisab’ is the threshold to pay Zakat, the minimum amount of wealth one must possess before they become liable. Nisab calculates 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver or cash equivalents. Only those of age, sanity, are not captivated, and not indebted can carry out Zakat.
Zakat can only be administered to the following:
- The poor.
- The needy
- Collectors of Zakat
- Reconciliation of Hearts
- Those who are enslaved/ kept captive
- Those in Debt
- In the way of Allah
- The stranded travellers
This humble duty keeps one away from sin and protects the doner from the moral ill arising from the greed of wealth. The Holy Quran identifies Zakat as a blessing as it unravels mercy:
“And perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give zakat and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you may receive mercy (from Allah).”
(Surah An-Noor, Chapter 24, Verse 56)
ZAKAT THROUGH SIMPLE REASON
Simple Reason aims to help and bring relief to the most vulnerable and needy people. You can assist countless innocent lives facing immense difficulties and trials due to crises and poverty by supporting our appeals.
EMPOWER THE NEEDY THROUGH ZAKAT, PROMOTE BROTHERHOOD.
