Zakat: The Third Pillar of Islam
Introduction with answers to 15 frequently asked questions
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and human beings hold wealth in trust. The word Zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Our possessions are purified by setting aside a portion for those in need, and like the pruning of plants, this cuts back balances and encourages new growth. Muslims calculate their Zakat individually. For most purposes, this involves the payment each year of 2.5% of one’s Zakatable wealth.
Those who are pious may also give ‘Sadaqah,’ which is another form of charity. Sadaqah is preferably given in secret. Although this word can be translated as ‘voluntary charity,’ it has a broader meaning. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Even greeting your brother or sister with a smile and cheerful face is charity.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said, “Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.” He was asked: ‘What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet ﷺ replied, “He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.” The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, “He should help the poor and needy.” The Companions further asked, ‘What if he cannot do even that?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, “He should urge others to do good.” The Companions asked, ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, “He should restrain himself from doing evil, that is also charity.”
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. This graceful charitable giving represents the unbreakable bond between members of the Muslim community, whom Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described to be “like the organs of the body, such that if one [organ] suffers then, the others rally in response.” The Mosque Foundation helps thousands of Muslims fulfill this important pillar of Islam every year. These Zakat contributions help many needy families.
Here you will find quick answers to frequently asked questions about Zakat. If you want further explanations, we invite you to speak to an Imam. To calculate your Zakat, use our convenient Zakat Calculator. Both the calculator and answers to the questions are based on respected Fiqh references. They are also reviewed and approved by Muslim scholars.
Zakat does not refer to charitable giving out of kindness or generosity, but to the systematic giving of 2.5% of one’s Zakatable wealth each year to benefit those who are financially less advantaged. This rate applies to cash, gold, silver, and commercial assets. By giving this small portion of one’s wealth, Muslims purify their wealth and please the Creator. Zakat is the third of five pillars of Islam, which means it is an essential act of worship that Muslims must fulfill.
All Muslims who meet the financial threshold of Zakat, as indicated in Nisab—(see below), are required to give a portion of their wealth annually—to help those in need.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.
Zakat is calculated based on the net assets one possesses at the end of one year. To calculate how much Zakat you owe, the Mosque Foundation created a convenient Zakat calculator found here.