Zakat (Al Maal)

As one of the pillars of Islam, a zakat is a form of obligatory charity that has the potential to ease the suffering of millions. With the literal meaning of the word being ‘to cleanse,’ Muslims believe that paying zakat purifies, increases, and blesses the remainder of their wealth.

“Whoever pays the zakat on his wealth will have its evil removed from him” (Ibn Khuzaimah and at-Tabarani).

Zakat is also a spiritual connection to one’s maker – to purify your wealth for the will of Allah is to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Him, and it is for Him that we strive to end poverty and help our brothers and sisters. According to the Hanafi madhab, zakat is 2.5% of the wealth that has been in one’s possession for a lunar year. If wealth amounts to less than a threshold figure, termed the Nisab, then no Zakat is payable. If wealth amounts to more than the Nisab, Zakat becomes obligatory.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ZAKAT?

ALLAH (S.W) Said: ((As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds) and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise)) [al-Tawbah 9:60]

They are 8 categories:
1. Faqeer (Poor)
2. Miskeen (Poor)
3. Those who collect Zakat
4. To attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam)
5. To free the captives
6. For those in debt
7. For Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle)
8. For the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything)

Note: Our Zakat funds will go to the first and second categories (Faqeer & Miskeen) only!