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WHAT IS ZAKAT?
Offering Zakat is a religious obligation for Muslims, and is the third of the five pillars of Islam (right after prayer). In Arabic, Zakat means purification, growth and blessing. Paying Zakat is meant to remind Muslims to be appreciative of the blessings that Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) has bestowed upon them, and to help empower those who have less. There are two primary forms of Zakat: Zakat al-mal and zakat al-fitr.
Zakat
” لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ ” “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of cattle. So eat of them and feed the poor.” —Noble Qur’an 22:28
What is Zakat?
Offering Zakat is a religious obligation for Muslims, and is the third of the five pillars of Islam (right after prayer). In Arabic, Zakat means purification, growth and blessing. Paying Zakat is meant to remind Muslims to be appreciative of the blessings that Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) has bestowed upon them, and to help empower those who have less. There are two primary forms of Zakat: Zakat al-mal and zakat al-fitr.
Who is eligible for Zakat?
IAS collects and distributes Zakat to those who are most in need, in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Giving your Zakat through IAS means you can help provide emergency food, shelter for refugees, job training, medication and so much more.
According to the Holy Qur’an (9:60), there are eight categories of people who qualify to be beneficiaries of Zakat:
- The poor
- The needy
- The collectors of Zakat
- Those who hearts are to be won over
- Captives
- Debtors
- A mediator or someone who pays from personal monies to fix or mediate problems among the people
- In the cause of Allah (swt)
- Travelers
Most scholars agree that the poor and needy are the most important categories of people to receive Zakat. Given that, it is acceptable to give your entire Zakat allotment to individuals who are in those groups.
IAS consults with a council of imams who follow the Fiqh Council of North America for information about religious donations. It is advised that you consult with your local imam or scholar for more detailed inquiries.
Zakat on gold
Zakat is payable at 2.5% of the wealth one possesses above the nisab. Nisab, which is equal to 3 ounces of gold, is the minimum amount of wealth one must have before they are liable to pay Zakat. *As of April 28, 2017, nisab is estimated to be $3,587.79. Zakat is liable on gold, silver, cash, savings, investments, rent income, business merchandise and profits, shares, securities and bonds. Zakat is not paid on wealth used for debt repayment of living expenses such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, education, etc.
USING CREDIT CARD TO PAY FOR ZAKAT
Please consider adding 2% when using Visa and Mastercard, and 2.5% when using American Express to your total zakat donation—this will compensate for any transaction fees deducted from your donation by the credit card companies, and will ensure that your intended zakat amount is paid in full.