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हिन्दीZakat — The Obligatory Charity
Zakat (Arabic: الزكاة) is pronounced za-KAAT (in Arabic the final sound is often softened to za-KAAH).
Meaning
The word carries two meanings: purification and growth. Muslims believe that giving zakat purifies their wealth and their hearts from greed, and that God blesses what remains. Zakat is due once a year on savings and certain other assets that stay above a minimum amount, called the nisab, for a full lunar year. The usual rate is 2.5%. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained its purpose clearly when he sent a companion to teach the people of Yemen:
…Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor…
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How Muslims use it
Zakat is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. It goes to specific groups named in the Qur’an, such as the poor, the needy and people burdened by debt. It is different from sadaqah, which is voluntary charity that a Muslim can give at any time, in any amount — even a smile counts.
Example
“Many families calculate their zakat during Ramadan and send it to people in need.”
To learn more, read The Five Pillars of Islam and Wealth and Money in Islam.
Key takeaways
- Zakat is a yearly obligation on Muslims who have enough wealth.
- It is usually 2.5% of savings above a minimum threshold.
- It is taken from the wealthy and given to the poor and other people in need.
