Zakat is the obligatory, annual giving in Islam. It’s important to give on a regular basis and Muslims worldwide are encouraged to donate 10% of their savings during Ramadan.
Zakat is a form of charity that Muslims give to the poor. Zakat can be calculated in different ways, but it should always be done as an amount equivalent to 2.5% of your savings or wealth.
Without zakat, Ramadan would be incomplete. (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, started on April 2 and is still going strong.
Muslims fast during daylight hours, pray, and spend time with family throughout this vital month.
Zakat, which is expected of all Muslims who qualify, is another essential component of Ramadan.
But what exactly is Zakat, and how much must you pay?
Here’s where you’ll find all you need to know.
What is Zakat, exactly?
A special donation known as zakat is given during Ramadan.
Zakat is Islam’s third pillar (Picture: Getty)
It is both a religious requirement and an important part of the Islamic social welfare system.
According to Sania Sufi, a charity expert, helping the underprivileged ‘cleanses’ Muslims’ souls and money.
Sania, CEO of The Citizens Foundation (UK), remarked, “Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligatory act of devotion.” It refers to how much money a Muslim provides to those who are in need, poor, or destitute.
The literal meaning of the phrase Zakat is “to cleanse.” Muslims purify and cleanse their money and soul by giving charity via Zakat, therefore alleviating the suffering of the poor.’
Who is in charge of paying Zakat?
All eligible Muslims must observe the Salah and give the obligatory charity, as well as kneel down beside those who bow down, according to the Quran (2:43).
You are eligible if you are an adult who has had Nisab during the previous year.
“The basic minimum of wealth necessary to fulfill their own and their family’s expectations,” Sania defined “Nisab.”
Two variables are used to compute the Nisab threshold: gold and silver. The Nisab has a silver value of 612.36 grams and a gold value of 87.48 grams.
According to Islamic Relief, the Nisab value for 2022 is:
- Using today’s silver price (612.36 grams) – £379.66
- £4,174.55 based on the current gold price (87.48 grams).
For all Muslims who qualify, zakat is a religious requirement. (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
What is the appropriate amount of Zakat to pay?
All Muslims must pay Zakat, which is 2.5 percent of their earnings over the Nisab.
‘Because the Nisab varies from year to year, one must calculate Zakat each year,’ Sania said.
The Citizen’s Foundation offers a helpful Zakat calculator to assist you in determining how much you must pay.
What is the purpose of Zakat?
Zakat is a religious tax that is meant to aid the poor. It might be useful in a variety of fields, including education, the environment, health, and food security, to name a few.
Zakat is a religious levy that aids the destitute. (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
Sania informed Metro.co.uk that all donations to TCF are utilized throughout the year to educate and empower deserving children from Pakistan’s poorest and most disadvantaged regions.
‘TCF makes the most of the Zakat donations it receives to ensure that its students, families, and communities benefit for a long time.’
TCF-UK, the Zakat Foundation, Charity Right, Islamic Relief, Muslim Hands, Water Aid, Muslim Aid, Human Appeal, Orphans in Need, and others are among the Zakat-accepting organizations.
MORE: According to a survey, ‘Half of UK Muslims would struggle to buy food to break the Ramadan fast.’
MORE: What do you say as Ramadan comes to an end, and when does Ramadan end this year?
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Zakat is a religious obligation that Muslims pay to help the poor and needy. The amount of zakat you should donate depends on your wealth. Reference: when is zakat due 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I donate in Ramadan?
A: Ramadan is a month of fasting, and many Muslims donate money to the poor. This year, if you are able to give 2 kg of food during the thirty days that make up Ramadan, it would be enough.
How much should I donate for zakat?
A: Since zakat is a voluntary charity, its up to you how much you want to donate.
How do you calculate zakat?
A: Zakat is calculated on the basis of ones wealth, as well as his or her ability to give. Wealth is measured in gold dinars and dirhams from the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) until now. The minimum you would have for zakat is 10 grams of pure gold, either coins or ingots depending upon which currency was used during that era.
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