Zakat
Zakat is an obligatory alms on certain kinds of wealth, given to eligible people. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. This page explains the idea so families understand why it exists. It is not a calculator and not a fatwa for your bank account.
What zakat is
Zakat means purification and growth. A portion of qualifying wealth is given each lunar year once it reaches a minimum (nisab) and other conditions are met. The Quran names categories of people who may receive zakat (see Surat al-Tawbah 9:60).
Who it generally applies to
It generally applies to a Muslim who owns, for a full lunar year, wealth of a type that is subject to zakat, above the nisab, after basic needs and recognised debts as scholars explain them. Children, business stock, gold, cash, and agriculture each have details. Do not decide a large personal amount from this summary alone.
Purpose
Zakat cares for the poor, circulates wealth, and trains the giver not to cling to money. It is an act of worship, not a tip.
Nisab and the zakat year
Nisab is the minimum threshold. A common teaching for gold is a weight of gold (often discussed around 85 grams) or its cash equivalent; silver has its own measure. Rates and which assets count can need a specialist.
The zakat year (hawl) is typically one lunar year from when wealth first reached nisab. Many people pick a date in Ramadan for ease, then stay consistent.
Zakat and charity (sadaqah)
Zakat is obligatory when its conditions are met. Sadaqah is extra voluntary giving — any amount, any time. Both are good. One does not cancel the other.
Important notes
- Ask a knowledgeable person or a reliable zakat desk for your own figures. This academy page will not tell you a personal amount.
- Zakat al-fitr (the Eid charity) is a separate, smaller due around Eid al-Fitr. Ask locally for the current staple-food amount.
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