Who receives it?
۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلۡعَٰمِلِينَ عَلَيۡهَا وَٱلۡمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمۡ وَفِي ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلۡغَٰرِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِۖ فَرِيضَةٗ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٞZakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it[487] and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.
Nisab and rate
- Cash, gold and trade goods: 2.5% once they reach the nisab and a lunar year passes.
- Crops: 5% if irrigated by effort, 10% if rain-fed.
- Livestock and minerals have their own thresholds detailed by jurists.
Use the zakat calculator on this site for an estimate.
Its effect
It purifies wealth and the soul and builds solidarity. It differs from voluntary charity (sadaqah), which is encouraged at any time.
بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ ... وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِIslam is built upon five ... and paying zakat.
Frequently asked questions
Is zakat due on my wife’s jewellery?
Scholars differ: Hanafis require it, while others do not for permissible jewellery in use. Ask a scholar.
Texts and translations are under scholarly review.