Zakat is the giving of 2.5% of the wealth of every Muslim to charity. It is given to those in need around the world and holds a lot of rewards. This form of charity is compulsory for Muslims, while other forms, such as Sadaqah and Lillah, are voluntary donations.
Giving in charity and being generous are very important in Islam, and there are many forms of charity. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
As a Pillar of Islam, it is very important to uphold every year. By giving Zakat, the Muslims who are struggling can receive financial help from those who are better off, which allows them to get back on their feet, and for the wealthy people to share their blessings and be grateful.
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” Qur’an 2:110, Surah Baqarah.
Both Zakat and Zakat Al-Fitr are compulsory for Muslims to pay, but they are paid at different times.
Zakat Al-Fitr is paid at the end of Ramadan, while Zakat is paid once a year, but the date depends on each individual and when they had Nisab. The rule in the Hanafi Madhab is that once you have met Nisab, a year from that date, you must pay Zakat. However, if you fall below Nisab at any point during the year, it cancels out, and you no longer need to pay for that year. Instead, once you have reached or exceeded Nisab again, then you calculate a year from then to pay.
Someone for whom Zakat is compulsory must be:
‘Charity is for the poor, the needy, those employed to administer it, those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth), the enslaved, those in debt, those who strive in the path of Allah and the wayfarer. An obligation from Allah, and Allah is the Knowing and the Wise.’ (Surah al-Tawbah, 60).
Muslim Aid is a UK Zakat charity that accepts Zakat and Sadaqah donations. You can give your Zakat this year with Muslim Aid to ensure your donation gets to those who need it most. Your Zakat will be used to provide food, water, shelter, and sanitary systems in places that are deprived of essentials like these.
The Prophet Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said, “Protect yourself from hellfire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Donate your Zakat now to fulfil this Pillar of Islam and please Allah (SWT).
You can learn more about Zakat and how to pay it here.
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