Zakat Facts

Zakat is a mandatory charitable donation that applies to all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. It is the Third Pillar of Islam and refers to the obligatory donation to charity expected of every qualifying Muslim, as opposed to an act of voluntary generosity through Sadaqah. There are certain regulations surrounding who is allowed to benefit from Zakat donations.

With this being said, Zakat isn’t to be confused with Zakat al-Fitr; Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory donation that must be made ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Here, we will cover the primary concerns of Zakat that are queried by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The Definition Of Zakat

Zakat refers to an annual donation to charity that is required by Islamic law. The grounds of this donation apply to all disposable income, qualifying property, and other assets. Within the Five Pillars of Islam, Zakat is the third.

Zakat Meaning

Zakat directly translates to “that which purifies”. This refers to the notion that Zakat cleanses one’s wealth.

When Is Zakat Due In 2023?

There is no set time frame in which Zakat needs to be paid, as long as it’s done on an annual basis. Upon reaching the Nisab threshold and holding it for a full lunar year, you will be required to pay Zakat.

Can Zakat Be Donated Ahead Of Ramadan?

As previously mentioned, Zakat may be paid at any time of the year. These times include prior to, during, or subsequent to Ramadan. Lots of Muslims decide to donate their Zakat during Ramadan, as this is when they’re able to reap the most rewards. As well as this, Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) will need to be paid during Ramadan by all adults with food in excess of their needs.

Can Zakat Go Towards Building A Mosque?

Allah (SWT) permits Zakat to be spent in eight separate ways, including:

• The wayfarer – those who are travelling and/or stranded with limited supplies
• For the cause of Allah (SWT)
• Those in debt
• Those in bondage – such as captives and slaves
• New Muslims and friends of the Islamic community
• Zakat administrators – such as charities
• The needy (al-masakin) – someone in hardship
• The poor (al-fuqara) – someone with little to no income

As you can see, Mosques aren’t included in the above list, meaning that Zakat can’t be used to build a Mosque.

Can Zakat Be Donated For Education?

Educational institutions like schools aren’t eligible for receiving Zakat as Zakat payments are intended to provide someone who has nothing with something. However, if the students are eligible for Zakat, it would be possible to donate to them.

Can You Pay Zakat On Someone Else’s Behalf?

There are instances in which one can pay Zakat on behalf of someone else. For example, a husband may pay Zakat on his wife’s behalf; however, she must be made aware of the circumstances and authorise the donation.

Can A Son Receive Zakat From His Mother?

A son wouldn’t be eligible to receive Zakat from his mother as it’s not permissible for someone to make a charitable donation towards their dependents. Dependents such as children don’t have the financial means to support themselves, meaning parents are obliged to do so. Other relatives who aren’t obliged to provide for said children may donate their Zakat to them.

Can My Husband/Wife Receive My Zakat?

If a husband falls under one of the eligibility categories regarding Zakat, his wife may donate her Zakat to him. Despite this, a husband isn’t permitted to donate his Zakat to his wife as he’s already required to support her financially.

Can My Uncle Or Aunt Receive My Zakat?

Uncles or aunts who fall under one of the eight categories may receive Zakat donations. This is because nephews and nieces aren’t automatically obliged to support their uncles and aunts. For this reason, aunts and uncles may also donate their Zakat to eligible nephews and nieces.

Can Our Parents Receive Our Zakat?

Like parents aren’t allowed to donate their Zakat to their children, the same applies to children and their parents. As children enter adulthood, they’re obligated to support their parents in repayment of the care that they received in their youth.

Can Brothers Or Sisters Receive Our Zakat?

There is no set rule that siblings must care for one another, meaning Zakat can be donated to any qualifying sisters or brothers.

Can Syed Receive Zakat?

The Qur’an dictates that descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can’t receive Zakat or any other charitable donations. This still applies, even if they’re considered poor. Anyone named Syed should receive aid from their Muslim Brothers and Sisters should they find themselves in difficulty. As long as this isn’t regarded as an act of charity, the aid is permitted.

Does Zakat Need To Be Paid On Land?

Family homes and business premises do not contribute to Zakat costs. However, land that produces revenue (e.g., a let-out property) is an asset, meaning Zakat applies to the generated income.

Similarly, land that has been bought with the intention of selling is considered commercial goods. As a result, Zakat applies. This will be calculated via the land’s value.

How Many Types Of Zakat In Islam?

Zakat refers to two types: Zakat ul-Mal and Zakat ul-Fitr. Zakat ul-Mal is the obligatory annual payment that can be made at any time. However, Zakat ul-Fitr (Fitrana) must be made during Ramadan, ahead of the Eid prayer.

Can You Donate Your Zakat To Muslim Aid?

Yes, Muslim Aid accepts your Zakat donations here.