Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Zakat?

    Zakat is a means of purifying one's wealth and is a right of the poor and needy. The rate of Zakat is dependent on the type of wealth being purified, but in most cases, this is 2.5% of any wealth which is above a minimum amount known as the nisaab.

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  • Is Zakat compulsory?

    "Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, to perform the prayer, pay (the charity of) Zakat, fast (the month of) Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the Holy House (Ka’ba)." [Reported by AlBukhari]

    Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is compulsory for all Muslims whose wealth exceeds the nisaab or minimum value. Deliberately withholding the Zakat or refusing to pay, is a major sin in Islam.

    Zakat must be paid on most types of trade and business. Anyone who earns above the nisaab or minimum level of income must pay Zakat.

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  • How much is the nisaab worth?

    The nisaab applies to anyone who possesses pure gold over 85g in weight, or its equivalent in money. The current value of gold changes on a daily basis, so either check online how much each gram is worth and then multiply by 85, or go to a goldsmith who will check your gold weight for you.

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  • How do I know how much Zakat to pay?

    Use our special online Zakat calculator to work out how much you need to pay.

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  • When should the Zakat be paid?

    Zakat can be paid at any time in the year, but many people choose to do this in the blessed month of Ramadan, when the rewards for good deeds are multiplied. It is better to pay the Zakat throughout the year, to ensure there are sufficient funds to help people throughout the year, rather then just in Ramadan.

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  • Who can be given from Zakat?

    Like Allah has prescribed the obligation of Zakat, He also prescribed its eligibility:

    "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." [The Holy Qur'an 9:60]

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  • What will National Zakat Foundation do with my Zakat?

    Some of the projects which your money will go to includes:

    • Local communities where Muslims are in need.
    • Education and empowerment of Muslims in local communities with the necessary skills that they need to escape poverty.
    • Helping new Muslims learn their religion and help them with their livelihood if they are in need.
    • Helping single Muslims get married and support them with the financial obstacles.
    • Helping organisations that help spread the word of Allah and His religion in the West and that help under privileged Muslims.
    • Helping prisoners that have been wrongly imprisoned with a legal fund to argue their case in court and their families with the support that they need through the difficult ordeal.
    • Helping handicapped Muslims access services and help them to learn their religion.
    • Distribution of Zakat internationally if suitable causes are not available locally.

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  • What is Sadaqah and how does it differ from Zakat?

    Sadaqah is voluntary charity that can be given throughout the year, while Zakat is compulsory and is a pillar of Islam.

    Unlike Zakat (the non payment of which is punishable by Allah), the non-payment of sadaqah is not punishable. A person may choose to give as much or as little as they prefer. However those who fear Allah and the last Day must remember that sadaqah is an essential part of their faith so that they attain righteousness. This is because sadaqah comes from the word sidq i.e. truthfulness, and the one giving charity is the ultimately attesting to the truthfulness of his emaan and the love for his brother.

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  • What is Lillah?

    Lillah means 'for Allah' and therefore is defined as any charity, which is given in the cause of Allah on a voluntary basis. This money can be used for building mosques and other construction projects for which Zakat cannot normally be used.

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