Zakat

Almsgiving, is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with prayer, fasting, pilgrimage (Hajj) and belief in Allah (SWT) and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as nisab – they must pay 2.5% of that wealth as zakat.

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (2:110, Qur’an)

Zakat is to be given to 8 categories that Allah SWT has mentioned in the Holy Quran.

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it1 and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Quran 9:60)

1. The Poor (al-fuqarâ’)-low income or indigent.

2. The Needy (al-masâkîn)-someone who is in difficulty.

3. Zakat Administrators who facilitate charity work that are poor and needy themselves.

4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled-new Muslim reverts and friends of the Muslim community.

5. Those in bondage-slaves and captives

6. Those who are in Debt

7. In the cause of Allah.

8. The Wayfarer-those who are stranded or travelling with few resources.

Zakat Eligible People