Complete Zakat Guide
A comprehensive introduction to Zakat — the third pillar of Islam.
What is Zakat?
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and an obligatory act of worship. It is an annual almsgiving of 2.5% of qualifying wealth that has been held for one full lunar year above the Nisab (minimum threshold). The word “Zakat” means both “purification” and “growth” — giving Zakat purifies remaining wealth and acknowledges that all wealth belongs to Allah.
Quranic Foundation
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves — you will find it with Allah.”
Zakat is mentioned alongside Salah (prayer) over 30 times in the Quran, underlining its fundamental importance in Islamic practice and its role in building a just society.
The 3 Conditions for Zakat Obligation
- Ownership: You own the wealth fully and independently.
- Nisab: The wealth equals or exceeds the Nisab threshold (85g gold or 595g silver).
- Hawl: The wealth has been held for one complete lunar year (354 days).
Zakatable Assets
Personal items (home, car, clothing) and tools of trade are exempt.
How to Calculate Zakat
Zakat = (Total Zakatable Assets − Debts) × 2.5%
Deduct current liabilities (debts due within the year) from your total zakatable wealth. If the remainder exceeds Nisab, pay 2.5% of that amount.
Use the Zakat Calculator →The 8 Recipients of Zakat
Allah (SWT) explicitly names 8 eligible recipients in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60):
- Al-Fuqara’ — The poor who have nothing
- Al-Masakin — The needy who have insufficient means
- Al-Amileen — Zakat administrators and collectors
- Al-Mu’allafah Quloobuhum — Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
- Fir-Riqaab — Those in bondage or slavery
- Al-Gharimeen — Those overwhelmed by debt
- Fi Sabeelillah — Those striving in the path of Allah
- Ibnus-Sabeel — Travelers in need