Zakat means growth. Thus, Zakat enables Muslims to grow in their beliefs and become better individuals. Sahib e Nisab (‘ threshold’) is a minimum amount or value of an item that makes it taxable under Zakat.
Zakat is payable annually after 1st Rajab (11th month), and you should pay it before mid-Rajab (7th month). Zakat should be deducted through a bank or financial institutes and given to eligible people and charity organizations accordingly. It is essential that when you pay Zakat, you must have a list of people or organizations to whom you will be giving Zakat.
There are many benefits of Zakat, which include the following:
– Purification of wealth and increase in assets
– The creditor is paid off, and the debtor is forgiven
– The Zakat recipient is helped financially and spiritually
– The payer of Zakat is rewarded by Allah (SWT)
Zakat recipients can be divided into eight categories which are as follows:
- The Poor: This category includes those who do not have enough money to meet their basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Zakat should be given to them to meet their basic needs and live a dignified life. So zakat can be given to Zakat distributors who distribute Zakat to the poor and needy individuals. Zakat is also payable on agricultural products after harvesting, which you must pay through Zakat collectors.
- Please visit: zakat calculation
- The Needy: The Zakat should be paid for those facing temporary financial difficulties and need money to meet their basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Zakat may not have been collected from your wealth before distribution; therefore, Zakat can be distributed to these people from Zakat collected from other individuals’ wealth until it is completed to those in this category.
- The Wayfarer: This group includes those who do not have enough money or proper travel documents/papers to return home safely, even if they have the money. Zakat is payable on their wealth and should be given to them to travel safely back to their homes.
- The Zakat Collector: Zakat collectors are responsible for collecting Zakat and distributing it to eligible recipients. The Islamic authority in each country appoints them. Zakat collectors must be trustworthy, honest and efficient individuals who will distribute Zakat relatively to those who deserve it.
- The Fighter in Allah’s Cause: This category includes those fighting in Allah’s cause, such as soldiers, missionaries and volunteers. Zakat should be given to them to continue fighting for Allah’s cause and protect Islam and Muslims.
- The Prisoners of War Zakat: Zakat can be distributed to prisoners of war if they are in prison for Allah’s sake; Zakat should then be given to them.
- The Wayfarers Zakat: Zakat can be distributed to wayfarers who are travelling for the sake of Allah (SWT).
- Zakat Collector Zakat: If Zakat collectors are responsible for collecting Zakat and distributing it. Some Zakat can also be given to these people not to feel overburdened with their responsibilities.
Zakat must not be given to non-Muslims or those who do not deserve it, such as thieves, gamblers and individuals involved in illegal activities. Because this will block the path of Zakat, and it will not reach Zakat recipients. Zakat must also not be given to those individuals involved in the distribution of Zakat, for this would lead to corruption among Zakat collectors.
In the end, Zakat is compulsory on every sahib e nisab individual according to Islamic law (Shariah). We may earn wealth through lawful means, but we do not deserve Zakat. Individuals’ incomes vary; some may have more than sahib e nisab while others may have less. If you give Zakat before knowing if you own the money, it will waste. Zakat should only be given when it is compulsory and not fulfil other needs. So zakat is an essential obligation in Islam and should be paid with the correct intention so that the payer can receive Allah’s (SWT) rewards.
Zakat is a religious duty that Muslims must perform. It is a form of charity that helps the poor and needy. The purpose of Zakat is to purify one’s wealth and help those in need. The Zakat recipient is supported financially and spiritually. The payer of Zakat is rewarded by Allah (SWT).
Pay you zakat today by visiting skt welfare and bring more sawab to you and your family.