All four schools agree that Zakat is an obligatory act of worship in Islam, involving the giving of a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. Zakat holds significant importance as it purifies wealth, fosters social justice, and helps support the less fortunate members of society.

Each school agrees that Zakat is obligatory for Muslims who possess wealth above the minimum threshold (nisab). The nisab value is based on the current price of gold or silver and varies slightly among the schools.

The principles of Zakat calculation and applicable rates are generally similar among the schools. They agree on applying a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) to Zakatable wealth, including cash, gold, silver, business assets, and some investments.

The schools generally allow the deduction of debts and liabilities from Zakatable wealth, but there may be some differences in how they handle specific cases.

The schools permit paying Zakat in advance, and 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.

Yes, Zakat can be given to charitable organisations and development projects that work towards promoting social welfare and development, provided they meet the criteria for Zakat recipients. In Islam, Zakat is meant to be distributed to those who are eligible and in need, and one way to fulfil this obligation is by contributing to reputable charitable causes.

At Human Concern UK, we focus on supporting the poor and providing essential services such as education, healthcare, clean water, and more to those in need. We have established robust systems to ensure that Zakat funds are utilised effectively and distributed to eligible recipients in accordance with Islamic principles.

In general, there are no exceptions or exemptions to paying Zakat in Islam. Zakat is considered an obligatory duty for eligible Muslims who possess wealth above the minimum threshold (nisab) and meet the conditions for Zakat payment. The concept of Zakat is rooted in the principle of social and economic justice, where those who have more wealth are obliged to help those in need. However, there are specific circumstances where certain assets may be exempt from Zakat.

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

• 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.
• Al-Masakeen (The Needy): This category includes those who may not be extremely poor but are still in need of financial assistance to fulfil their basic requirements.
• Amil Zakat (Zakat Administrators): This refers to individuals or organisations responsible for collecting, distributing, and administering Zakat. They can receive Zakat funds to cover administrative costs.
• 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 Zakat can be given to encourage and strengthen their faith.
• 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.
• Al-Gharimeen (Debtors): Individuals who are in debt and unable to repay their debts may be given Zakat to relieve their financial burden.
• 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.

The permissibility of giving Zakat to close relatives or immediate family members is a matter of differing opinions among Islamic scholars. The four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) have different stances on this issue. Here are the general viewpoints:

• Hanafi School: The Hanafi scholars generally hold the view that Zakat cannot be given to one’s close relatives, including parents, children, and spouses. However, it can be given to more distant relatives, such as cousins or in-laws.
• Maliki School: According to the Maliki scholars, Zakat cannot be given to one’s parents or grandparents. However, it is permissible to give Zakat to other close relatives, such as children, siblings, and grandchildren.
• Shafi’i School: The Shafi’i scholars permit giving Zakat to close relatives, including parents, children, and spouses, provided that they are eligible recipients under the categories of Zakat mentioned in Islamic teachings.
• Hanbali School: The Hanbali scholars have a broader view and allow giving Zakat to close relatives, including parents, children, and spouses, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

It’s important to emphasise that Zakat is meant to be distributed to those who are eligible and in need, regardless of their relationship to the giver. Therefore, if your close relatives meet the criteria of eligible recipients, it would be permissible to give Zakat to them according to the views of the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools. However, if you follow the Hanafi or Maliki school, it would not be permissible to give Zakat to immediate family members like parents, children, and spouses.