Zakat is obligatory upon every adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold for one full lunar year (hawl).

You are required to give Zakat if:

• You are Muslim
• You are an adult of sound mind
• Your eligible wealth equals or exceeds the Nisab
• That wealth has been in your possession for one lunar year

Zakat is not an optional charity, it is a pillar of Islam and a right Allah (swt) has placed in your wealth.

Zakat is generally calculated at 2.5% of your total Zakat-eligible wealth that has been held for one lunar year.

This typically includes:

• Cash and savings
• Gold and silver
• Business assets and inventory
• Investments and trade goods
• Debts and immediate liabilities may be deducted before calculating Zakat.

👉 To make this simple and accurate, use our Zakat Calculator here

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before Zakat becomes obligatory.

It is based on the value of:

87.48 grams of gold, or
612.36 grams of silver

Most scholars recommend using the silver value today, as it sets a lower threshold and allows more people in need to benefit from Zakat.

If your Zakat-eligible wealth equals or exceeds the current Nisab value and has been held for one lunar year, Zakat becomes due.

The recommended time for giving Zakat is typically during the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, although it can be given at any time of the year. Many Muslims choose to pay their Zakat during Ramadan, especially during the last 10 nights.

The different categories of people eligible to receive Zakat, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, include the following:

1. Al-Fuqaraa’ (The Poor): These are individuals who are destitute and have little or no means to support themselves. They are unable to meet their basic needs, and Zakat can help alleviate their poverty.
2. Al-Masakeen (The Needy): This category includes those who may not be extremely poor but are still in need of financial assistance to fulfill their basic requirements.
3. Amil Zakat (Zakat Administrators): This refers to individuals or organizations responsible for collecting, distributing, and administering Zakat. They can receive Zakat funds to cover administrative costs.
4. Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum (Those whose hearts are to be reconciled): This category includes individuals who are not Muslims or are new to Islam and can be given Zakat funds to encourage and strengthen their faith.
5. Fir-Riqaab (Freeing Slaves): Zakat can be used to help free slaves or those in bondage, as it is seen as a way to promote freedom and justice.
6. Al-Gharimeen (Debtors): Individuals who are in debt and unable to repay their debts may be given Zakat to relieve their financial burden.
7. Fi Sabilillah (In the path of Allah): Zakat can be given to those who are engaged in Islamic propagation, defending Muslims, or any other just cause in the path of Allah.