Facts About Zakat You Should Know

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and a form of philanthropy that is practiced all around the Muslim world. It is a practical form of worship that is obligatory on all Muslims who are adults, sane, and have possessions equal to or greater than the Nisab value. Everyone eligible to pay Zakat has to donate 2.5% of their wealth. According to the UNDP, the potential size of the annual Zakat giving lies between US$200 billion and US$1 trillion. Although some Facts About Zakat  are well-known, in this article, we will explore some important facts about Zakat, its importance in Islam, and its potential to make the world more equitable.

 Zakat’s History according to the Quran

The concept of Zakat existed before Islam. The Sharia/law of previous prophets also mandated it. Islam continued the tradition with slight modifications. The Quran tells us:

“And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], “Do not worship except Allah, and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give Zakah.” Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.” (Surah Al-Baqrah, 2:83)

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In another verse, the Quran tells us:

“And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and Zakah and was to his Lord pleasing.” (Surat Maryam, 19:54-55)

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anbiyaa, the Quran tells us about Hazrat Ishaq (A.S) and Hazrat Yaqub (A.S):

“And We gave him Isaac and Jacob in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous. And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of Zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.” (Surat Al-Anbya, 21:72-73)

Why is Zakat important in Islam?

The word Zakat means purification. That is one of the important and lesser-know Facts About Zakat. While giving Zakat, we purify our wealth by giving away the share that rightfully belongs to the deserving. By giving Zakat, believers practically demonstrate their faith that everything they own belongs to Allah (SWT).

As much as wealth is a source of happiness and contentment, it is also a source of trial. Allah (SWT) says:

“Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.”(Surat Al-Taghābun, 64:15)

In another verse, Allah (SWT) tells us:

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

There is a Hadith that warns us of this innate love for wealth and power.

Ka’b bin ‘Iyad narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Indeed there is a fitnah for every Ummah, and the Fitnah for my Ummah is wealth.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 2336)

By giving Zakat, believers challenge this innate desire to accumulate wealth. Several Hadiths urge believers to be charitable.

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Types of Zakat

Another Facts About Zakat  that is often mistaken is that  there are two types of Zakat recommended in Islam:

Zakat al-Mal:

Zakat al-Mal is the major type of charity obligatory on all adult and sane Muslims with possessions equal to or greater than the Nisab value. The value of Zakat Nisab 2025 is equal to PKR 179689 or (USD 637.05). Eligible believers must give a portion of their possessions annually.

The following are some of the key points regarding Zakat ul-Maal:

• It is a recurrent obligation that starts with the eligibility of Nisab and must be exercised till the time the eligibility remains.
• The Nisab value equals 52.5 tolas of silver or equivalent currency amount. The Zakat Nisab 2025 based on that criteria is PKR      179689 or (USD 637.05).
• Zakat can be calculated by summing up the value of your possessions, subtracting your liabilities from it, and calculating the 2.5% of the remaining value.
• Zakat cannot be delayed. It has to be promptly paid after each lunar year.
• Except for gold and silver, you don’t have to pay Zakat on items of personal use.

Zakat al-Fitr:

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that all eligible Muslims must give before the start of the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. It purifies mistakes made during fasting and is a powerful way of showing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessings of Ramadan.

The Quran tells us:

“He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself” (Surat Al-‘A`lá 87:14)

The minimum amount of Zakat al-Fitr is half a sa’ of wheat, 1.75 kgs of rice, or an equivalent monetary value, which is around PKR 180 for 2025. The Fitrana calculation depends on the commodity of one’s choice. Affluent individuals should choose valuable commodities for their Fitrana calculation. The following table can be used as a reference to choose a commodity for Zakat al-Fitr:

Zakat al-Fitr helps deserving people prepare for their Eid celebrations and it can be paid in advance, before the end of Ramadan.

Who is eligible to receive Zakat?

Since the exercise is meant to benefit deserving people, care should be taken when choosing the recipients. The following Hadith clearly defined the category of eligible Muslims to receive Zakat.

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] 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.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)

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Conclusion:

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and an important exercise that allows believers to purify their wealth. In this article, we listed some facts about Zakat. Zakat can play a significant role in alleviating poverty and distributing wealth. According to the Quran, the laws of previous Prophets also mandated Zakat. Zakat ul-Mal and Zakat ul-Fitr are two types of Zakat. Eligible Muslims must pay 2.5% of their wealth as Zakat ul-Mal. One of the important factors for Zakat al-Mal qualifications is the Nisab. The Zakat Nisab 2025 is PKR 179689 or (USD 637.05). Zakat ul-Fitr or Fitrana must be paid before the start of the Eid ul-Fitr prayers. The Fitana calculation should be made on the commodity of your choice and affordability.

By fulfilling these obligations, believers make a meaningful impact on deserving people’s lives while ensuring their salvation. Ensure you give your Zakat to the most deserving people as defined by the Sharia. Transparent Hands provides free healthcare services to those without access to medical facilities. Donate now to help us in our mission to reach millions of Pakistanis who need immediate medical assistance.