Zakat FAQs

Zakat is a form of charity that also means purification and growth. It helps build fairness and kindness within the community by sharing a portion of wealth with others. It is a duty for adult Muslims who meet the nisab amount. By giving Zakat, you follow an essential part of your faith and help improve lives around the world.

Zakat becomes required when your wealth stays above the nisab level for one full lunar year. If your wealth is above this amount, you give 2.5 percent as Zakat. If it falls below the nisab during the year, then Zakat is not due for that cycle.

Nisab is the minimum wealth a person must have before Zakat becomes obligatory. It is based on the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Once your wealth reaches this amount and stays there for an entire lunar year, Zakat becomes due. If your finances change, the Zakat amount may also change. If your wealth falls below the nisab, you are no longer required to pay.

A person must pay Zakat if they are Muslim, healthy, free, have reached puberty, and own wealth that is above the nisab level. Anyone who can meet their basic needs and still has extra wealth is responsible for giving Zakat.

Zakat can only be given to the groups mentioned in the Quran. These include the poor, the needy, new Muslims who may need support, people in debt, travelers facing hardship, those working to collect Zakat, those in bondage, and people striving in the cause of Allah.

Zakat can be given at any time during the year. Many people prefer to give it in Ramadan because rewards for charity are greater in that month.

Zakat is calculated from your wealth after removing personal essentials. Your home, primary car, clothes, and basic household items are not counted. You should subtract the money you owe, bills due at the time, business expenses, and any short term debts.

You should include cash, savings, gold, silver, shares, business stock, rental income, and any money owed to you that is likely to be returned.

Formula: Total assets minus short term liabilities equals your Zakatable wealth. If this amount is above the nisab, Zakat is required.

You can use Zakat calculator to calculate your zakat quickly and easily.

Zakat reminds us that everything we own is a blessing from Allah. It encourages us to share with others and help those facing hardship. Tools like an online Zakat calculator can make it easier to work out the exact amount.

Your Zakat year begins when your wealth first reaches the nisab amount. From that point, you pay Zakat each lunar year. If you do not remember the exact date, you can estimate it or choose a fixed Islamic date to follow. It is not necessary to pay Zakat in Ramadan, although many people prefer to give charity during this month.

Yes. You can divide your Zakat into monthly payments if that is easier for you. The important thing is that the full amount is paid before your due date.

UK taxpayers can apply Gift Aid, which increases the donation amount by 25 percent without costing anything extra.

Zakat should be given as soon as it becomes due. It should not be delayed without a valid reason. It must be distributed within one lunar year from the time it becomes obligatory.

It is recommended to start with people in your local community. At the same time, there are many people around the world who also need help. A balanced approach ensures that both local and global needs are met.

If you missed Zakat before, you should estimate the amount owed and pay it as soon as possible. It remains your responsibility until it is fully paid.

Yes. You can pay Zakat earlier in the year or split it across months, as long as the full amount is completed before your Zakat due date.

Zakat applies to cash, savings, gold, silver, shares, business goods, livestock, and certain agricultural produce. Everyday items such as your home furniture, clothes, and primary car are not included.

These are traditional South Asian units used for measuring gold and other precious metals. One tola, also called bhori or yori, equals 11.66 grams. For example, 87.48 grams of gold is the same as 7.5 tolas.

The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before Zakat becomes due. It is based on the value of gold or silver and must be held for one full lunar year.

You can give Zakat to relatives who qualify for it, such as those who are poor or in financial hardship. However, you cannot give Zakat to your parents, grandparents, children, or spouse, because you are already responsible for their care.