Where to Pay Zakat in the UAE?

Introduction – Where to pay Zakat in the UAE

Zakat is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. Some people call it the most challenging Islamic obligation as well. It is simply because of the calculations that are involved in determining the zakat money, every year. All assets are taken into account when calculating the annual 2.5 percent in terms of zakat. However, once calculated, the next step is even more challenging. Where to pay zakat? If you are someone who is looking for a place to give zakat to, you are in luck. Not only do we help you with zakat calculations, but we also tell you about a few ways in which you can pay zakat in UAE. Grab a pen and a paper and let us get going! 

Who are eligible for zakat?

Where to pay zakat cannot be answered satisfactorily, if you are not aware of the people who are eligible for zakat. The eligibility criterion of zakat is not decided by you or me. Rather, it is the holy book of the Quran, which gives us clear-cut instructions about who deserves out charity money. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] 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”

(Quran 9:60)

Nisab

Zakat becomes an obligation if one has a certain amount of money. This minimal amount of money is called Nisab. Once you hit the stipulated Nisab money, you must pay Zakat. Now, it is important to mention the Nisab here, before we go any further in this discussion. The Nisab threshold for gold is 85g or as in some countries, 7.2 tolas. In terms of silver, one must have 612.36 grams of silver, before they are eligible to pay Zakat. You do not have to pay a 2.5percent in the name of Zakat if you do not meet the Nisab threshold.

Zakat calculations

Well, calculating zakat can be challenging. A few mistakes can result in a completely wrong amount. However, you do not need to worry about that anymore. We have an online Zakat Calculator, which helps you calculate zakat with 100 percent accuracy. All that you have to do is put numbers in the blank fields on the webpage. The tool then gives you the number that you must do this year in terms of zakat.

Give your zakat to a charity in the UAE

Once zakat is calculated, you will start fretting about the place where your money should go. It is your decision to search for a deserving family on your own or give your money to a charity organization in the UAE. There are plenty of credible charity organizations operating in the UAE. The government-controlled entities include:

1- Ministry of community development

2- Zakat fund

3- Islamic affairs and charitable activities department

4- Authority of a social contribution

5- Community and development authority

The charitable organizations that operate independently are in hundreds, it is impossible to make all of them a part of this discussion. However, the most notable ones include Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and Emirates Red Crescent Authority. 

Online donation platforms in UAE

If you do not feel like going down to an office or visiting an underprivileged family, you can make your donation online as well. There are many online donation platforms operational in UAE, which will be happy to use your zakat money for taking care of those who are suffering from all sorts of miseries. If you do not care about the area of operations, the scope becomes even wider. The Smart Dubai Office has launched a new zakat al fit service. This, of course, lets you pay zakat via your smart device. The service is becoming quite popular, and we would like you to give it a go as well.

Conclusion – Where to Pay Zakat in the UAE?

We hope that this discussion will serve as a guide for you in calculating zakat and then later, giving it to the deserving ones in UAE. Given the current global situation, your donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life!