What is Zakah?

Zakah (زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a divine obligation upon every eligible Muslim to purify their wealth by giving a portion to those in need. The word Zakah means purification, growth, and blessing.

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.” — Surah At-Tawbah (9:103)

Zakah in the Qur’an

The Qur’an emphasizes Zakah alongside Salah (prayer) in numerous verses, showing its central role in a Muslim’s life:

• “And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:110)
• “Those who establish prayer and give Zakah, and they are certain of the Hereafter.” — Surah Luqman (31:4)

Zakah in the Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no True God worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakah, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” — Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim

He ﷺ also warned against neglecting Zakah:

“Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakah of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” — Sahih al-Bukhari (1403)

Who Must Pay Zakah?

Zakah is obligatory on adult Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold (minimum amount of wealth held for one lunar year). It applies to:

• Cash and savings
• Gold and silver
• Business assets
• Agricultural produce
• Livestock (in specific cases)

How Much is Zakah?

• 2.5% on most types of wealth (e.g., cash, gold, business assets)
• Different rates apply for agricultural produce and livestock

Who Can Receive Zakah?

The Qur’an outlines eight categories of Zakah recipients:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy, and for those employed to collect [Zakah], and for bringing hearts together [for Islam], and for freeing captives, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveller.” — Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)

Why Use a Zakah Calculator?

Calculating Zakah can be complex due to varying asset types and Nisab values. A Zakah calculator helps ensure:

• Accurate calculation
• Fulfillment of religious duty
• Peace of mind that your wealth is purified