What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an act of worship. The meaning of zakat is “to purify” and so to purify our own wealth all Muslims are obliged to pay a portion of one’s assets to help those in need. Zakat benefits the giver as well as the receiver.
Zakat can also be spelled as zakah or zakat.
Where do Zakat donations go?
The Qur’an states who may receive Zakat payments:
• The poor
• The destitute
• Administrators/collectors of Zakat
• New Muslims facing hardship
• To free slaves
• Those who are unable to pay their debt
• In the path of Allah
• Travellers who cannot afford to return home
Who pays Zakat?
All Muslim adults who are sane and possess the nisab (a minimum amount of wealth held for a year) should pay Zakat.
What is the nisab?
The nisab is a minimum amount of wealth that a Muslim must possess for a whole year before zakat becomes due.
How much is the nisab?
Nisab can be determined in terms of gold or silver – our Zakat calculator offers the ability to switch between the two values when calculating your donation.
How much Zakat do I need to pay?
Although there are no specific guidelines in the Holy Qur’an on exact percentages to be given as Zakat, the customary practice is to give 2.5% on capital assets. On agricultural goods, precious metals and livestock, the rate varies between 2.5% and 20%.
What types of wealth are included in Zakat?
Assets that are included in the Zakat calculation are cash, shares, pensions, gold and silver, business goods and income from investment property.
Personal items such as home, furniture, cars, food and clothing (unless used for business purposes) are not included.
Can I spread Zakat payments throughout the year?
If you are in the UK you can choose to set up a recurring monthly direct debit for any UK based charity on JustGiving in order to fulfill your Zakat. If you are based in the US your ability to opt-in to recurring monthly donations is dependent on your chosen charities payment processor.
Can I Gift Aid my Zakat payment?
(Applicable to our UK users only)
Yes! Gift Aid is a valuable tax concession that does not cost donors a penny. It enhances the value of donations made to registered charities by 25% and can be made by all UK taxpayers.
It is simple to allow JustGiving to claim Gift Aid on your behalf – just tick the box on the web page or form when you make a donation.