Muslim adults over 18 who meet the Nisab threshold must donate to a charity called Zakat. It’s the third of the five pillars of Islam and was initially referred to as the mandatory donation to charity expected of every eligible Muslim. It differs from the voluntary act of generosity known as Sadaqah. A Zakat is an alms given in Allah’s name to those who qualify. Learn how often you must donate Zakat here.

Knowing When to Donate Zakat

When Should Zakat Be Paid?

Zakat is collected once a year. On the other hand, a Muslim only pays Zakat after possessing the Nisab for one entire lunar year. It indicates that each Muslim expects to pay Zakat at various times of the year, depending on when they first met and sustained the Nisab. That’s generally the approach to how one must donate Zakat.

Three Reminders of When You Must Pay Zakat

Check Your Wealth Weekly or Monthly

Zakat’s due dates can be confusing. Take stock of what you own from the date you reach or surpass the Nisab or the anniversary of your most recent Zakat payment. Assets constantly add and subtract, which can be drastic for some. Taking stock of your private wealth and assets prevents last-minute time and stress.

Create a Zakat Spending Plan

Keeping track of your income regularly and doing the math can help you feel more at ease about the amount of Zakat you’ll owe when the time comes, much like a budget helps you plan for the things you want to do or buy.

Make Use of a Zakat Calculator

Every Muslim who owns the Nisab for an entire lunar year must pay Zakat equal to 2.5 percent of its value.

The Nisab and the Zakat percentage must be calculated manually, which can be time-consuming when factoring in your wealth and holdings. Use the trustworthy, zero-cost, and user-friendly Zakat calculator Islamic Relief offers, facilitating immediate Zakat payment.

It’s not uncommon for Muslims to forget or miscalculate their annual obligation to pay Zakat, and some Muslims may be unfamiliar with this Islamic obligation. Moreover, there will be years in which you cannot pay your Zakat on time.

Thankfully, it’s always possible to catch up by making payments for each year in which you were delinquent. You can get the right amount by calculating the current Zakat and Nisab. From there, the Nisab value from the year and when no paid Zakat is substituted for the current Nisab value.

Giving Zakat is considered significant in Islam that it is mentioned in the Qur’an 82 times, each time close to a prayer. If you don’t help the poor and unfortunate, you can’t expect Allah to bless you. Giving has never made anyone poor. So open your folded palms and do what Allah has told you to do. Give Zakat to clean up your soul and help make the world better. Let’s live our lives in a good way and give those who are less fortunate a chance to live with respect.

The Al-Ansaar Islamic Foundation was started by a group of highly dedicated and passionate Muslims with a focus on knowledge and scholarship. Our ambition centres around the idea of contributing to communities by creating leaders, educators, and conscious individuals. We are ultimately concerned with building strong communities that impact the lives of others and motivate, inspire, and contribute to the good of humanity. Contact us toll-free at 1 (855) 633-6222.

Zakat is a unique kind of charitable payment obligatory to every Muslim adult.

However, people who donate Zakat should meet the criteria based on their nisab and hawl. They can contribute a certain amount of wealth, about 25% of their savings. These donations help people who are in great need.

So, when you donate Zakat, it purifies your wealth alongside your soul, body, and possessions – which brings you closer to Allah. See how you can donate Zakat here.

Understanding How to Donate Zakat

What is Zakat?

Almsgiving, or Zakat, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Precisely, it is a form of confirmation and declaration of a Muslim’s faith in Allah. In addition, Zakat has a special mention in the Quran about 32 times. That speaks about the importance and significance of Zakat.

Different from other types of donations, eligible Muslims should pay Zakat as instructed by Allah. So, before you donate Zakat, you should know whether or not you are eligible to make the donations.

Therefore, an individual should meet these conditions:

They should practice the Muslim religion
An individual must be sound of mind
They must be free
They should be an adult
An individual should have a proper flow of wealth in the form of either cash or goods
They should meet the nisab criteria while staying there for a complete lunar year

Different types of people make other payments depending on their wealth. And how much you owe relies on your gold or silver value. For example, if you choose your donation based on the value of gold, you would pay a high amount.

What Are the Different Ways to Donate Zakat?

There are several organizations and welfare trusts that take your Zakat payment. Along with that, there are lots of ways that help you give them money.

Here are some common ways that many people opt for regarding donations:

Making the payment through an online transfer
Bank transfer is another popular choice
You can avail of donation collection centers
You can even call the concerned authority to collect your Zakat donation from your doorstep

Where Does Your Zakat Money Go?

The primary reason for collecting Zakat is to support those who need it most. In short, money should make their lives better. In Islam, you are entrusted with the duty to care for your brothers and sisters through Zakat.

That way, you can help them receive their daily necessities. Zakat money goes to benefit people who are less fortunate compared the others.

Allah outlined eight permissible causes for Zakat, which are as follows:

The needy
Poverty-stricken people
The debt-ridden
Those in bondage
People whose hearts need reconciliation
The wayfarer
Zakat charities
Those who fight for Allah

Zakat establishes proper support for the poor and needy. In doing so, it has the power to change the world. And, all these things can happen with you paying for this noble cause. That’s why it’s important to know how to donate Zakat properly.

Donate Zakat: Can Zakat be given to relatives?

Zakat is an important element in Islam and is deemed one of the five pillars. Charitable acts can purify your earnings if your income exceeds what is required to give you the essentials to live. Inevitably, as you think of ways to give Zakat, you might be wondering if it is permitted to help blood relatives or if this is disallowed under the specific terms of Zakat. While the particulars of who you can give Zakat to may seem murky, they can be easy to learn.

Discover all you need to know about how to donate Zakat and if helping family members struggling with money can be a method of giving Zakat.

Giving to relatives

If you want to give a relative money to supplement their needs, this is generally a permitted act of charity under the Zakat conditions. Though parents cannot give their children money and children cannot give to their parents as forms of charity, you can bestow monetary gifts to other relatives who may be living below their needs. Before you give your Zakat, you still need to properly navigate this form of charity before pursuing it by examining three different factors that could determine whether giving money to relatives is an acceptable form of Zakat.

The closeness of the relative

One question you may want to ask yourself before giving your Zakat to a family member is: How close is this family member? Suppose you are particularly distant from this relative and have no legal or moral obligation to help them with their expenses. In that case, it is okay to send your Zakat to them, directly or indirectly. If you are close to a relative, like a husband to their wife, a child to their parents and vice versa, grandchildren to their grandparents, and vice versa, you cannot give your Zakat to those relatives. This is disallowed because giving money to such a close relative is essentially like giving money to yourself under Zakat conditions. According to Zakat resources, relatives eligible to receive your Zakat charity can include cousins, aunts and uncles, siblings, and nieces and nephews.

Who is giving the Zakat?

Another question you need to ask yourself before giving a charitable portion of your money to a family member is who exactly is giving the Zakat? If you are giving your Zakat to a charitable organization that a family member uses to supplement their lack of funds, this is actually permitted. While you cannot give money to your parents or children directly, if you happen to donate to a charity that helps your close family members, this form of Zakat still counts and is undoubtedly permissible.

Financial responsibilities

There are often telltale signs indicating whether you can give your Zakat to a relative. If you live with a relative, they are most likely barred from receiving your Zakat. Similarly related, if a family member is already financially dependent on you, they are also unable to receive Zakat from you when you’re already providing for them.

Husband and wife

Though it may seem that giving your Zakat to your spouse would be disallowed, under some circumstances, it is permitted. To donate Zakat to your spouse is allowed when the wife gives their Zakat to a husband that is struggling financially, though some scholars argue that a wife should not do this if they benefit from this indirectly or directly. Because a husband is responsible for a wife’s financial needs, husbands are not allowed to give their Zakat to them.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. The others are belief in the oneness of Allah, offering obligatory prayers five times a day, fasting the whole month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca). It simply means almsgiving and is an obligation upon Muslims to pay at the end of a year of possession. Zakat is calculated at the rate of 2.5% on the total wealth present at year-end, which includes money, silver, gold, investments, livestock, trading stock, and agricultural produce. It is worth mentioning that Poor people do not pay Zakat. Rather, it is an obligation on the wealthy people and delivered to the poor, needy, and destitute people. Suppose a sane, adult person (male or female) owns wealth equal to the current market value of roughly 600 grams of silver. In that case, they are commanded to donate Zakat.

How to donate Zakat

If any Muslim is eligible to donate Zakat, they must find qualified people. Zakat is not given just to anyone; it is paid to the poor, the indigent, the debt-ridden, the wanderer, the enslaved person seeking freedom from bondage. Some people are aware that they can give Zakat to their local mosque. They must know that one cannot donate Zakat money to any mosque, per se, whether for construction or refurbishment purposes. Any individual does not own mosques, but they are rather dedicated to the worship of Allah. So, it is the unanimous decision of the scholars of Islam that mosques are not entitled to receive any Zakat amounts as such. However, if a mosque collects Zakat money to distribute it, it is permitted. The mosque committee generally manages the payments of Zakat. Here, when you donate Zakat money, it will not be used for the mosque in any manner but will rather be given out to the ones eligible to receive Zakat.

Why Donate to Muslim Charity

The question arises, “Why should a Muslim donate Zakat?” First of all, we must understand that Zakat is a commandment of Allah that must be followed by every Muslim if they are eligible. Secondly, according to the Holy Scriptures, Zakat is a means of purification of the total wealth, i.e. if a person donates his Zakat amount, then the wealth left behind becomes pure wealth, or else impure. Thirdly, donating Zakat money creates an equilibrium in society as the rich give off a small amount of their total wealth to the poor and needy. Thus, donating Zakat helps ease the difficulties of the lives of the financially weak and needy people.

The spirit of giving and charity is infused into the Islamic religion. Regardless of the time of year, zakat and sadaqah are constantly in our thoughts as we actively strive to better our community and help those around us.

However, whenever Ramadan is upon us, we often find ourselves motivated to give back a little more than usual. So is giving to charity mandatory during Ramadan? And why is there such an emphasis on donation during this time?

Let’s explore why so many Muslims are inspired to give to charity during Ramadan.

Why Muslims Give To Charity During Ramadan

Zakat

Zakat is one of the five pillars of individual worship on which Islam is built. To fulfill this particular fundamental foundation, an obligatory payment of 2.5% of an individual’s surplus wealth is given every year. However, one can choose to pay more if they are so able, while others do not have to pay if they do not meet the Nisab threshold. This money is then divided up and given to those who have qualified as beneficiaries of the payment.

While paying zakat is not required during Ramadan specifically, many Muslims opt to offer their payments at this time. Ramadan is considered the holy month, so higher spiritual rewards await those who are able to donate zakat during this time.

While Muslims generously donate to charities throughout the year, the numbers are particularly impressive during Ramadan. Islamic Relief UK estimates that £150 million were donated to charity during Ramadan by British citizens alone.

Five Pillars

As mentioned above, charity is one of the five pillars of Islam, in addition to fasting, prayer, faith, and a pilgrimage to Mecca. During the holy month, people practice generosity and a spirit of giving.

For those who are unable to offer zakat, at least during Ramadan, focusing on sadaqah is often a popular option. Sadaqah is a voluntary charitable donation, with no fixed percentage or requirements. This allows Muslims to fulfill their fifth obligation during Ramadan and embody the ideals of the holy month.

As qualifying adult Muslims gather their wealth every year to donate zakat, they can feel good about the positive impact they will have on their community. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fulfilling charitable obligations is an incredibly valued aspect of the faith.

Admittedly, calculating your required zakat donation can be confusing, and determining how and which elements of your personal wealth can be shared can be a journey. Therefore, once you’ve established your zakat donation, it makes sense that you’d be eager to give that away.

But where exactly do you donate your zakat to? Let’s take a look.

Where Your Zakat Donation Goes To

Who Qualifies

Zakat cannot be offered to just anyone, regardless of whether you feel they could use the extra help. The Holy Qur’an outlines which individuals are eligible to receive zakat donations. These eight categories are:

Fakir: those with little or no income or wealth
Miskin: those who are without food
Amil: anyone designated to collect and distribute zakat
Riqab: anyone held involuntarily in captivity or as a slave
Garmin: those struggling with unmanageable debt
Fisabilillah: those fighting for Allah
Ibnus Sabil: struggling and/or stranded travellers
Muallaf: friends of the Islamic community and/or revert Muslims

How Do I Pay It?

Fortunately, the methods of making zakat donations have modernized, and you can simply make your payment online. This allows for a quick and simple process, enabling you to fulfill your obligations in no time.

Where To Send It

You are able to choose a zakat-accepting charity of your choice, provided they meet the requirements of who is eligible to receive zakat. While your selections are not as broad as they would be for sadaqah, as that is optional and personally-driven charity, there are still a good number of charities to choose from. Some organizations in Canada that accept zakat include:

Transparent Hands
National Zakat Foundation
Islamic Relief Canada
Canada Zakat
IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation)
MIZAN (Muslims Implementing Zakat Associated Network)
Canada Helps
Human Concern International
Muslim Association of Canada

Feel free to take your time and research which organization you would most like to donate zakat to. There is no hard deadline of when your donations need to be made; rather, they need to be made once every lunar year. While Ramadan is a popular time for Muslims to pay zakat, it’s by no means a set rule, and you are able to make your donation on your own schedule.

Charity is an incredibly important aspect of the Islamic faith. As a community, we strive to aid and support one another, understanding that those in need are just as valid as anyone else. Therefore, regardless of our income, making financial contributions to those around us is valued in our society.

But how much should Muslims actually be donating to charity? Let’s take a look!

The Amount That Muslims Should Give To Charity

Understanding Zakat

Zakat is one of the five pillars of individual worship that Islam is built on. Also known as “mandatory giving,” zakat requires all eligible Muslims to donate at least 2.5% of their accumulated wealth each year. However, you can choose to donate more money to an Islamic charity if you would prefer, and those who do not meet the Nisab threshold are not obligated to pay.

This money is then divided up and given to those who have qualified as beneficiaries of the payment. Such people have been outlined in the Quran and include:

The poor
The hungry
Those living with unmanageable debt
Stranded or struggling travellers

This act of donating 2.5% of your wealth to the poor is an incredible way to strengthen the entire community and provide relief to those in need.

Understanding Sadaqah

Sadaqah, meanwhile, is a voluntary charitable donation. This means that there are no rules or guidelines dictating how much– if any– money you should be donating. Additionally, while zakat is once a year, you are permitted to donate as frequently as you would like under sadaqah.

As well, you can choose where your money is directed towards, regardless of whether it fits under a zakat category.

Understanding The Total Sum

Ultimately, it is expected that Muslims should donate a minimum of 2.5% of their wealth every year to charity. However, you are more than welcome to exceed that amount if you so choose; it is entirely up to you and your financial situation.

We can all strive to better ourselves every day; one way to do this is through education! The Mishkat Institute aims to serve anyone in need of further understanding of their Islamic faith. But how exactly is that achieved?

Let’s explore what the Mishkat Institute is and how it can benefit you.

Understanding The Mishkat Institute

The Mishkat Institute offers a range of educational events, day-long seminars, crash courses, and weekly classes in partnership with Al-Ihsan. The goal of the Mishkat Institute is to educate as many Muslim people as they can about Islam and the Arabic language in an effort to provide an alternative to full-time institutional learning.

The Mishkat Institute believes that a deep understanding of Islam is critical to building strong Muslim communities across Canada and the world. This is why they often allow their courses to be taken online or as a part-time student, allowing you to access knowledge in a way that works best for you. By empowering students to take charge of their education, the Mishkat Institute is hopeful that you will eventually step into the roles of leaders and mentors.

Another benefit of the Mishkat Institute is the opportunity for social engagement with a community of fellow Muslims. By creating an environment where you can connect with others who share your faith and commitments, you can feel excited every time you partake in a course or class, as you know your thoughts and ideas will be valued and respected.

Offering courses on comprehensive Islam, the essentials of Islam, and the foundations of Arabic, the Mishkat Institute has you covered. They also provide Spring Youth and Summer Youth programs, which are designed specifically for children and implement the teachings through exercise, practice, and workshops.

Ready to dive into Islamic and Arabic education? Reach out to the Mishkat Institute to learn more!

A core aspect of the Muslim faith is offering assistance, kindness, and support to those in need. Both Zakat and Sadaqah place emphasis on helping others, but there are key differences between the two.

Let’s take a look at what those differences are.

The Differences Between Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat

Zakat is one of the five pillars of individual worship that Islam is built on. To fulfill this particular fundamental foundation, an obligatory payment of 2.5% of an individual’s surplus wealth is given every year. However, one can choose to pay more if they are so able and do not have to pay if they do not meet the Nisab threshold. This money is then divided up and given to those who have qualified as beneficiaries of the payment. Such people have been outlined in the Quran and include:

The poor
The hungry
Those responsible for distributing Zakat
Those in captivity and slavery
Those living with unmanageable debt
Those who fight in the name of Allah
Stranded or struggling travellers
New Muslims and friends of Muslim communities

muslim man giving food box to homeless people, volunteer help and support poor old man. in cartoon flat illustration vector isolated in white background

When it comes to determining one’s wealth, nine categories are considered. It is from these categories that one must donate Zakat’s designated amounts:

Livestock
Gold and silver
Business goods
Agricultural produce
Animal products
Minerals and sea products
Improvements
Earnings
Financial instruments

Zakat is designed to strengthen the Muslim community by redistributing wealth and ensuring that everyone is cared for. By donating Zakat, one can be sure that each member of their community has the resources they need to survive.

Sadaqah

Sadaqah, meanwhile, is a voluntary charitable donation. Sadaqah does not have a fixed percentage, and one is permitted to donate as much money and as often as they so choose.

Sadaqah also has a more liberal definition of what charity can include. While such things as money and property are still considered, acts of kindness, such as good deeds or salutations, also make up such charity. The idea behind Sadaqah is that one is simply to give freely, without expectations of receiving something in return; rather, the intention is to please Allah.

When it comes to monetary donations, one can choose where the funds are directed, and the recipient does not have to fit into any of the categories that Zakat focuses on.

While both Zakat and Sadaqah focus on the importance of giving, their differences ensure that various groups of people are taken care of.

As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, donating zakat is an important part of expressing the faith and charity behind the Muslim religion. Although it also demands several questions and answers to be most effective, including the answer to the question “who can you donate zakat to?” Our Muslim charity answers that question today and provides further info on the process behind donating zakat.

Who Can You Donate Zakat To?

Seven categories of people are eligible to receive zakat donations. They include:

The poor and needy
Administrators of zakat donations
Travellers and refugees
Those in debt
Those whose hearts have recently been reconciled
Those who have been enslaved
In the cause of God

In donating zakat to any of these categories of people, it is important to properly calculate the amount of zakat required.

Concept of zakat in Islam religion. Selective focus of money and rice with alphabet of zakat on wooden background.

What is the Proper Amount of Zakat to Give?

There are two methods of expressing the amount of your zakat donation. The first method is as a fraction of your total income, which is one-fortieth of the total. The other method uses a percentage of your total wealth, which is 2.5%. Keep in mind that you must have an established amount of wealth before you are required to donate zakat as well.