"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) multiplies His reward for whom He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing." - Al Baqarah 2:261
The aforementioned translation of a verse from Surah Baqarah emphasizes the importance of giving Zakat (charity) and its bountiful rewards. Additionally, the analogy of a "seed growing' reflects the idea that when you give Zakat, your resources multiply, and you gain spiritual and religious growth.
The word Zakat comes from the Arabic word "Zakah," which translates to "cleanliness, righteousness, increase, growth, praise, and blessing." Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It purifies the soul and wealth of Muslims and saves them from the sin of miserliness and the love of material things.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) said in Surah Tawba, “Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” - At-Tawbah - 103
When a Muslim's earnings exceed their necessities by a certain amount (referred to as "Nisab"), they are required to give a portion of their wealth and profits to the impoverished and needy once every lunar year (Hijra).
Zakat has three main advantages and constructive effects on society. These are:
It is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for both the giver and the recipient. It creates a society based on humanitarian principles, alleviates poverty for the poor, and lessens disparity between various societal groups. Moreover, it fosters fraternity and love and reduces social tensions between the rich and the poor.
If everyone in the world today adhered to the Zakat principle, all financial issues and poverty would end, which would lessen crime and social unrest. Imagine if the top 10 richest people in the world paid 2.5% zakat on their wealth each year. It would resolve financial disparities and make the world a more equitable place.
Zakat is an obligatory charitable donation eligible for all Muslims who are:
Three schools of thought, i.e., the Hanbali, Maliki, and Shafi'i, state that Zakat should also be paid by children, orphans, and the insane if they own qualifying wealth. These schools believe that "ownership of wealth reaching the Nisab" is the main driving factor behind Zakat. However, the Hanafi school of thought gives more weightage to the worship element in Zakat and therefore states that Zakat is not mandatory for orphans, children, and the insane. The parents/guardians of these individuals will be responsible for paying Zakat from their wealth on their behalf. Moreover, if an individual experiences intermittent sanity, they will still be required to pay Zakat; only continuous insanity and mental incapacity exempt an individual from Zakat.
As per Allah’s order, Zakat is obligatory on four types of wealth. These are:
Zakat is obligated on valuables, i.e., gold, silver, money (paper or otherwise). Zakat is fard when an individual's wealth is as much as the nisab for Zakat, i.e., the minimum amount of wealth they must have to become eligible to pay Zakat. The nisab for Zakat is:
The nisab for paper money must be calculated every year as the value of money fluctuates. Zakat on jewelry is obligatory under the following conditions:
Zakat is obligatory on livestock and cattle if they are intended for milking and offsprings (not personal use, but as a trade) and if they have been grazing on the land of the owners for more than 1 year. The nisab of livestock is different for camels, sheep, and cattle.
Zakat is obligatory on all grains and fruits grown on the land. The nisab is as follows:
Zakat is obligatory on trade offers if they are intact for more than 1 year. After a person has had a trade offer(s) for more than 1 year, and it meets the nisab of 2.5%, Zakat is applicable.
Zakat is not a type of sadaqah. Sadaqah is a voluntary charity, while Zakat is a fard. Therefore, Zakat must be given to those who qualify to receive it in the eyes of Allah.
Allah states in Surah Tawbah:
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
“The alms are meant only for the poor and the needy and those who are in charge thereof, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free those in bondage, and to help those burdened with debt, and for expenditure in the Way of Allah and for the wayfarer. This is an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” At-Tawbah - 60
If someone is qualified to receive Zakat, they must meet eight requirements. Thus classifying the Zakat recipients into eight groups of individuals. As stated by Allah in the Qur'an, these comprise:
On the other hand, Zakat cannot be given to a member of your nuclear family. For example, if you follow the Hanafi and Hanbali fiqhs, your spouse, kids, or parents are not eligible for your Zakat. However, you are permitted to donate Zakat to close family members under the Maliki and Shafi fiqhs. This is provided that you are not accountable for their upkeep.
In the past, people used to calculate Zakat based on a specific formula. The formula involves considering various types of assets, including investments, Zakat on gold, silver, and other valuables. Here’s an overview:
The Zakat calculation formula for most of these assets is 2.5%. This means that 2.5% of the total value of the above-mentioned assets should be given as Zakat each year.
Online Zakat calculators have made it very easy to determine your nisab and Zakat. Through an online Zakat Calculator, you can effortlessly determine the zakat percentage you owe in a given year. However, remember that while online Zakat calculators can be very helpful, they might not cover every unique financial circumstance. If you have complex financial arrangements or specific questions, consider consulting a knowledgeable religious scholar or financial advisor for additional guidance.
The Zakat calculator introduced by Muslims and Quran is one of the best out there. Its design reflects a thorough understanding of every user's needs and represents a crystal-clear layout where users can effortlessly input their financial information and get the results they need. Moreover, its intuitive interface guides users through several asset categories, ensuring nothing is left out in the calculation process.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can calculate Zakat through Muslim and Quran:
The Muslim & Quran Zakat Calculator can be used across all devices. It has been designed for modern user needs and can seamlessly adapt to different platforms, including tablets, computers, and smartphones. Whether you're on the go or at home, the interface remains user-friendly and navigable, maintaining its intuitive layout and functionality.
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