Zakat

An integral obligation in Islam, is a yearly charitable offering. It is incumbent upon financially able Muslims whose assets exceed the Nisab threshold for one Islamic (lunar) year. This act of generosity is beloved to Allah (SWT). Contributions are directed towards assisting the needy, adhering to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said, ‘The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.

Through a robust aid chain, including ground-relief endeavors and years of expertise, we ensure that your support is channeled effectively.

ZAKAT EXPLAINED:

Zakat stands as an annual obligation, mandatory for eligible adult Muslims whose wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for a single Islamic (lunar) year. This act of giving brings joy to Allah (SWT), with contributions directed towards aiding the most vulnerable, spanning both local and global communities in need.

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And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” – Quran 2:110

This verse emphasizes the importance of Zakat as one of the pillars of Islam, alongside prayer. It highlights that acts of charity, including Zakat, are not only beneficial in this world but also hold significance in the hereafter, as they are rewarded by Allah. It serves as a reminder that our deeds are witnessed by Allah, encouraging believers to fulfill their obligations with sincerity and devotion.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ZAKAT?

This means that Zakat donations cannot be given to just anyone. A husband cannot give his Zakat to his wife as he is already responsible for her, just as he is his children. A wife, though, is permitted to give Zakat to her husband, so long as he meets the relevant criteria – she must not benefit in any way from this donation (i.e. the husband using the funds to pay for a gift for his wife).

Those eligible to receive Zakat can be placed into one of eight categories, which are:

The poor.
The needy
Administrators of Zakat, Muslim Aid USA for example.
Reconciliation of Hearts.
Those in Bondage/Captive.
Those in Debt
In the Cause of Allah.
The Travelers.

Not every Muslim is obligated to pay Zakat as per the rules set out in the holy Qur’an. To be eligible to pay Zakat, you must be past the age of puberty, of Muslim faith, sound mind, free, and have a positive cash/goods flow, as well as a personal wealth that exceeds the Nisab value.

Muslim Aid USA will ensure Zakat payments are restricted to responding to emergencies to save lives in Muslim majority communities and supporting specific development projects that are taking place in Muslim majority communities. Meaning your zakat will help provide emergency food, shelter for refugees, job training, medication, and so much more

NISAB

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no Zakat due on wealth until a year has passed.” (Sahih Muslim 979)

This hadith clarifies the concept of Nisab in Zakat, indicating that Zakat is not obligatory on wealth until it reaches the Nisab threshold and remains in one’s possession for a full Islamic (lunar) year. It establishes a timeframe for the calculation of Zakat, providing guidance on when wealth becomes subject to the obligation of charitable giving..

What is the Zakat amount required?

Zakat is determined by:

2.5% of personal wealth and yearly savings.
5% of a farmer’s assets if the farmer has invested in crop irrigation.
10% of a farmer’s assets if the crops have been irrigated by rain.
20% of valuable possessions and resources on the property, including gold, silver, and oil.

CAN I PAY MY ZAKAT IN INSTALMENTS?

You are permitted to pay your Zakat in installments, although it is preferred as a single lump sum. Those assured that their wealth will remain the same can pay in advance of the due date.

WHAT IS ZAKAT-UL-FITR (FITRANA)?

Zakat al Fitr, or Fitrana, is a different payment to Zakat that can only be made during the holy month of Ramadan, before the start of Eid. Fitrana is traditionally given as food, but Muslim Aid USA will accept monetary donations, valued at $10 per person in the United States, which will pay for food to be given to those most in need.

CALCULATING YOUR ZAKAT

If you would like to easily calculate the amount of Zakat charity you need to pay, please visit our Zakat Calculator.

GUIDANCE ON GIVING YOUR ZAKAT

Once you’ve determined your Zakat obligation, or if you’re already aware of the due amount, consider contributing through imdadia.org. Your donation will fuel our initiatives, uplifting countless lives facing hardship globally.