Fiqh of Zakat - The Rules of Charity
Learn the detailed rules of Zakat, the third pillar of Islam.
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam — an obligatory charity that purifies wealth. Allah commands Muslims who have wealth above a minimum threshold (Nisab) to pay 2.5% of their savings each year to specific categories of people. The Quran specifies eight categories of Zakat recipients: the poor, the needy, those who collect Zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, those in debt, in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah), and the stranded traveler. Zakat purifies wealth from selfishness and ensures wealth circulates in society. The Prophet ﷺ said: Whoever pays Zakat, Allah removes evil from their wealth. Zakat is different from Sadaqah (voluntary charity) — Zakat is obligatory, while Sadaqah is optional. The Nisab is equivalent to 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Zakat is due on cash, gold, silver, trade goods, and livestock. Agricultural produce has its own Zakat (Ushr or half-Ushr depending on irrigation). Understanding Zakat fiqh is essential for every adult Muslim who has savings.
Qur'an Verses
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ
Wa aqimu as-salata wa atu az-zakata
Translation: And establish prayer and give Zakat.
Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: Whoever meets Allah without associating partners with Him, and establishes prayer, and gives Zakat, Allah will be pleased with him.
Explanation
This hadith shows the importance of Zakat as one of the three essential acts for Allah's pleasure: Tawhid, Salah, and Zakat. Without Zakat, wealth remains impure.
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam — an obligatory 2.5% charity on savings above the Nisab. It purifies wealth and helps eight categories of people. Understanding its rules is essential for every Muslim.
- 1.What is Zakat?
- 2.How much Zakat is due on savings?
- 3.What is the Nisab?
- 4.Who are the eight categories of Zakat recipients?
1. What is Zakat?
2. Does Zakat purify the heart from greed?
3. Is Zakat different from Sadaqah?
4. Who is eligible for Zakat?
5. Can Zakat be given to stranded travelers?
6. How many categories of Zakat recipients are there?
7. Is Zakat due on trade goods?
8. Is Zakat one of the five pillars?
9. What do we learn from Zakat?
10. How much Zakat is due on savings?
11. What does Nisab mean?
12. Is Zakat obligatory?
13. Is Zakat due on cash savings?
14. Can Zakat be given for the cause of Allah?
15. What does Zakat do to wealth?
16. Is Zakat due on gold and silver?
17. Can Zakat be given to those in debt?
18. What does Faqir mean?
19. What does Miskin mean?
20. What is the Nisab equivalent to in gold?
21. Does Zakat circulate wealth in society?
22. Is understanding Zakat important?
23. What is the minimum threshold called?
24. Should every Muslim with savings pay Zakat?
25. Can Zakat be given to relatives?
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