Zakat is the third pillar of Islam: an annual obligation on wealth that purifies what remains and supports those in need. The word itself carries the meanings of purification and growth.
Who has to pay?
Zakat is due from an adult Muslim whose savings and zakatable assets stay at or above a minimum threshold — the niṣāb — for one full lunar year (the ḥawl).
- The niṣāb is commonly calculated as the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Many scholars recommend the silver value, as it is lower and benefits more of the poor.
- The year is measured with the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Many people pick a fixed date — such as a day in Ramadan — and calculate every year on that date.
How much?
For cash, savings, gold, silver, investments and business stock, the rate is 2.5% — one fortieth — of the total zakatable wealth on your zakat date. Your home, car, clothing and personal belongings are not included, and debts due now can generally be deducted.
Example: if your zakatable wealth on your zakat date is $12,000 and that is above the niṣāb, your zakat is $12,000 × 2.5% = $300.
Who can receive it?
Allah names eight categories: “Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect zakah and for bringing hearts together and for freeing captives and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the stranded traveler — an obligation imposed by Allah” (9:60).
Zakat and ṣadaqah
Zakat is the obligatory minimum; ṣadaqah is voluntary charity with no limit and no fixed time. Both carry immense reward — “the example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains” (2:261).
Calculate yours
The Bakiif app includes a simple zakat calculator, and you can give to vetted causes — orphan sponsorship, clean water, masājid — directly from the app. For complex situations such as pensions, shares or business assets, please consult a qualified scholar.
