What is Zakat?
Zakat in Islam and its Impact on Society
Zakat is a unique form of religious social welfare ensuring the most vulnerable members of the Muslim community are taken care of.
Zakat in Islam
The Role of Zakat in Islam
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, an obligatory charity that every Muslim who meets the requirements is required to pay annually. Zakat is paid by those who are wealthy for the benefit of the poor and needy.
The literal meaning of Zakat is “to cleanse” and “to grow” and is a way for Muslims to purify and bring blessings on to their wealth.
The literal meaning of Zakat is “to cleanse” and “to grow” and is a way for Muslims to purify and bring blessings on to their wealth.
The Types of Zakat
Transforming Lives Through Zakat
With Zakat, you can provide food, shelter, education, healthcare, and other basic necessities to those in need.
Zakat al Maal
Annual charity paid on 2.5% of your net wealth if you are an adult Muslim with the minimum Nisab
Zakat al Fitr
Special charity paid at the end of Ramadan by every Muslim who has enough for one meal, regardless of age or gender.
zakat in society
Who Does Your Zakat Help?
Zakat is a unique form of social welfare ensuring the most vulnerable members of the Muslim community are taken care of. The ultimate aim is to strengthen the faith and provide a safety net for a set category of Muslims.
The Poor
The poor are individuals or households who lack sufficient financial resources to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other essential necessities of life.
The Needy
The needy are individuals or groups who lack basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and are unable to meet their daily requirements without support.
Zakat Collectors
Zakat Collectors are individuals or organizations responsible for collecting and distributing zakat, an Islamic charitable obligation, to eligible recipients such as the poor, the needy, and those supporting Islamic causes.
Those in captivity
Individuals in captivity are those who are held against their will, either in prison, detention centers or as hostages, deprived of their freedom and basic rights.
Those in debt
Individuals in debt are those who owe money to others and are struggling to repay their financial obligations, often facing challenges such as high interest rates and difficulty in finding new sources of income.
The Traveller
In Islam, a traveller is an individual who is temporarily away from their permanent home on a journey, and has specific needs and rights related to food, shelter, and other necessities.
Those whose hearts need to be softened to Islam
Given to influence individuals who may be inclined to Islam or to protect Muslims under them.
Those fighting in the way of Allah
Those fighting in the way of Allah refer to individuals who participate in defensive military actions, either individually or as part of an organized force, in defense of Islam and Muslims.
The power of zakat
What Role Does Zakat Play in Society?
Local Zakat is packed with potential. When implemented correctly, Zakat has the power to:
Reduce poverty
Facilitate redistribution of wealth
Unite the Muslim Ummah
Reduce income inequality
Promote social welfare
Provide debt relief
Ensure every Muslim is fed, sheltered and clothed
why local zakat?
Inequality and Poverty in Canada
The need for Zakat is here, in your province, in your community.
*Did you know Zakat is mentioned 30 times in the Quran? Out of those 30 times, it is mentioned 27 times with Salah, signifying its importance.
How Zakat Moves
The Power of Zakat
Here is how the power of Zakat improves the whole community starting from your action.
You pay Zakat and fulfill one of the most important pillars of Islam
Receive immeasurable reward from Allah
Your Zakat helps the most vulnerable members of your community
Those assisted are able to support themselves and pay it forward
The community is empowered as a whole
FAQs
Answering Your Questions
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our organization and its work. We hope that this page will help you learn more about us and how we can help you or your community.
Learn about Zakat
Do I pay Zakat if I have a student loan?
Yes, you may be entitled to pay Zakat if you have a student loan. If you are not making any payments toward your loan right now, then there is nothing for you to deduct and you will simply pay Zakat on your net Zakatable assets.
How do I calculate Zakat on savings?
Once your Zakat has reached the Nisab, then Zakat is mandatory to pay. However, when calculating one’s Zakatable wealth, the amount of debt, payable loans, and future or past expenses can affect the total amount that is truly Zakatable. For more information, read our full post here.
What is Nisab?
Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth a person must own at which Zakat becomes payable. Nisab for gold is 20 Dinar or 85 grams and the Nisab for silver is 200 dirhams or 595 grams. Most scholars prefer the lower value (silver Nisab) be used because this results in more people paying Zakat and more people getting assistance from Zakat.
How do I calculate Zakat on jewelry, gold and silver?
Zakat is only due on gold and silver, and is not due upon any other metals or precious stones. Read the full post to find out how to calculate gold and silver.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us for more information or read our knowledge base below.
Every Donation Makes a Difference!
Your generosity will help us to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Click here to make your donation today and join us in creating a brighter future for all.
