All Types of Zakat

All Types of Zakat

Types of Zakat

This article has been verified by our scholar Mufti Muhammad Zubair Nadeem (PhD in Islamic Studies and Finance, Takhusus from Jamia Ashrafia)

Zakat is Islam’s third pillar and one of the most prevalent forms of Islamic philanthropy worldwide. The UNDP estimates that the annual global Zakat contribution pool lies between US$200 billion and US$1 trillion. This substantial amount has the potential to transform many lives around the world. In this article, we will explore the significance of Zakat, its various types, and the relevant Zakat Nisab for 2025

What is Zakat?

Zakat means purification. Its purpose is to purify our wealth and spiritual endeavors. By giving Zakat, believers demonstrate the strength of their faith. Zakat is a practical form of devotion that allows believers to detach themselves from the excessive love for wealth and power and devote their possessions in the way of Allah (SWT).

Heal Lives with Your Zakat

The Quran tells us:

“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:110)

Why is it obligatory in Islam?

The Quran informs and warns believers against the excessive love of wealth. 

“And you love wealth with immense love.” (Surat Al-Fajr , 89:20)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Two wolves free among sheep are no more destructive to them than a man’s desire for wealth and honor is to his religion.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 2376)

Thus, the Quran asks believers to spend in Allah’s (SWT) way:

“Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah ] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:93)

Thus, believers must stay guarded against the evils of excessive wealth and power.

The Quran tells us:

 “Have you then considered him who takes his low desire for his god, and Allah has made him err having knowledge and has set a seal upon his ear and his heart and put a covering upon his eye. Who can then guide him after Allah? Will you not then be mindful?” (Surat Al-Jāthiyah, 45:23)

By giving away a portion of their wealth, believers curb their desire to accumulate wealth. Thus, one of the best ways to achieve righteousness is to spend in Allah’s (SWT) way.

The Quran tells us that:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:277)

Pay Your Zakat Online

Types of Zakat

There are two types of Zakat: Zakat al-Mal and Zakar a-Fitr. Both are obligatory for Muslims, but there are some differences between them.

Zakat al-Mal:

Zakat al-Mal is the primary type of Zakat that is compulsory for all adult and sane Muslims having possessions equal to or greater than the Nisab value. The recommended Zakat Nisab for 2025 is PKR 179,689. Thus, individuals possessing wealth equal to or greater than PKR 179,689 must give Zakat. The following are some important points about Zakat al-Mal:

  • Nisab is an important eligibility criterion for Zakat al-Mal. Its value is equal to 52.5 tolas or 612.36 grams of silver. Adult, sane Muslims who possess Nisab must give Zakat. The Zakat Nisab 2025 is PKR 179, 689.
  • Zakat can be calculated by adding up the value of one’s possessions, subtracting all the liabilities from it, and calculating the 2.5% of the amount. The resulting value is your Zakat obligation. You can use our online Zakat Calculator to know your Zakat obligations.
  • Items of personal use are exempted from the Zakat calculation.
  • The payment of Zakat must not be deferred. Although Zakat can be paid in advance, many Muslims choose to give Zakat during Ramadan. For that, they must pay Zakat in advance rather than deferring it.

Zakat al-Fitr:

While Zakat al-Mal purifies wealth, the purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to purify the spiritual efforts made by believers during Ramadan. The following are some points about Zakat al-Fitr:

  • Zakat al-Fitr is given as a token of gratitude.
  • Zakat al-Fir purifies fasts kept during Ramadan. It allows redemption from minor digressions made during fasting.
  • Zakat al-Fitr must be paid by everyone in the household, including children. Parents or guardians should pay it on behalf of their children.
  • The recommended amount of Zakat al-Fitr is half a sa’ of wheat, 1.75 kgs of rice, or an equivalent monetary value.
  • Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the start of the Eid ul-Fitr prayers, but it can also be paid in advance.
  • The minimum amount of Zakat al-Fitr is PKR 180 (for wheat). Affluent people should choose more expensive commodities such as Raisins (PKR 3200), and dates – Ajwa (PKR 12000).

The following table can be used as a reference to choose a commodity for Zakat al-Fitr:

Commodity Quantity Fitrana Amount
Wheat Almost 2 Kgs PKR 180
Barley Almost 4 kgs PKR 500
Dried Date (Chawara) Almost 4 kgs PKR 1700
Raisins Almost 4 kgs PKR 3200
Date (Ajwa) Almost 4 kgs PKR 12000

Eligibility to Receive Zakat

The eligibility criteria for receiving Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr are the same. Both types of Zakat can be given to the following categories of people:

  • The Poor (Fakir)
  • The Needy (Miskin)
  • Zakat Collectors designated by an Islamic state (Amin)
  • Newly Converted Muslims (Muallaf)
  • Slaves/Captives (Riqab)
  • Those in Debt (Gharmin)
  • In Allah’s (SWT) Cause (Fisabillillah)
  • Travelers (Ibnus Sabil)

About Transparent Hands

Transparent Hands is Pakistan’s leading crowdfunding platform that provides surgical and medical assistance to the most deserving patients. Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, so we arrange free medical camps and provide treatments to relieve individuals suffering from healthcare issues. Transparent Hands provides an accessible, user-friendly, and secure way to make online donations from anywhere in the world.

Our donors and sponsors are kept informed about the impact of their donations. Donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, Fitrana, and other donations to help people who deserve your generosity.

Conclusion:

Zakat is one of the most important duties incumbent on Muslims. It is the third pillar of Islam. Zakat promises many spiritual benefits. The Quran and the Hadith urge Muslims to spend in the way of Allah (SWT) by paying their Zakat. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr. While both types of Zakat are obligatory, Zakat al-Mal purifies an individual’s wealth, while Zakat al-Fitr purifies the fasts kept during Ramadan. 

To qualify for Zakat al-Mal, one must have possessions equal to or more than the nisab value. The Zakat Nisab 2025 value is PKR 179,689. To calculate Zakat al-Mal, you can use our online Zakat calculator. You should also pay your Zakat al-Fitr based on the commodity of your choice. The eligibility criteria for both types of Zakat are the same. Donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, Fitrana, Fidya, and other donations to Transparent Hands so that we can reach more deserving patients across Pakistan.

Read More:

Facts About Zakat You Should Know

The Best Time to Donate in Ramadan

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