Zakat is one of the most important Islamic practices. It is obligatory almsgiving and is considered the third pillar of Islam. Zakat shows believers’ willingness to spend money for Allah’s (SAW) cause, and it also offers several benefits. In this article, we will discuss why Zakat is important and which categories of people are eligible to give and receive it.
Who Should Pay Zakat?
Zakat is an obligation for Muslims with the following criteria:
· Adults who are past their puberty.
· People of sound mind.
· People who meet the Nisab threshold.
What is Nisab and its value?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that makes someone eligible to give Zakat. This threshold value for Nisab is equal to 612.36 grams of silver. Therefore, an adult Muslim with that amount of money or possessions must donate 2.5% of it to eligible people. You can use an online Zakat Calculator to know your exact Zakat obligation within minutes.
People who can receive Zakat?
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surat At-Tawbah [9:60]
According to these verses, the following set of people are eligible for receiving Zakat:
– Al-Fuqaraa – people with very low income.
– Al-Masakin– people with some possessions but not enough to afford day-to-day living
– Zakat Collectors — people who collect Zakat donations.
– New Converts — People who have converted to Islam recently.
– People in debt — people who cannot pay their debt.
– For Fi Sabeelillah — people living their lives for the cause of Islam.
– Wayfarers & Travelers — people who travel.
– Those in captivity—those in prison or in captivity.
When should we pay Zakat?
As Ramadan approaches, you should mark all important dates on your Ramadan calendar to stay organized for your daily prayers and fasting. Zakat can be paid anytime in the year. However, a survey revealed that almost 70% of American Muslims give Zakat during Ramadan. Most Muslims prefer to pay Zakat during Ramadan. Since virtuous deeds during Ramadan result in great rewards from Allah (SWT), most Muslims practice generosity during this sacred period. However, paying Zakat depends on reaching the Nisab, and it must not be delayed until Ramadan. One must also ensure the complete transfer of ownership to eligible people.
Can We Pay Before the Due Time?
The following Hadith tells us that we can pay the Zakat before the due time.
“It was narrated from ‘Ali that Al-`Abbas bin `Abdul-Muttalib asked Prophet (ﷺ) about paying zakah in advance and he gave him a concession allowing him to do that.” (Musnad Ahmad, 822)
You can also reap the great rewards of Ramadan by doing this. However, make sure that your calculations are based on the Islamic calendar. If you are paying Zakat for the first time, note the date of your Zakat-giving. Zakat obligations will then be annually reviewed and paid. The time calculation should be based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Paying more than the required amount of Zakat?
You can always pay more than the Zakat incumbent on you according to your Nisab possessions. However, the additional amount will be considered Sadaqah, the voluntary form of charity in Islam. Sadaqah is given out of kindness and generosity. It has great importance in Islam. Allah (SWT) tells the believers:
“Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah ] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:92)
The concept of Sadaqah is not limited to monetary value. Kindness and courteousness in behavior are also considered Sadaqah and yield rewards from Allah (SWT).
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Conclusion:
Zakat is an important component of a Muslim’s faith system. It is the third pillar of Islam and is obligatory on all sane and adult Muslims who have possessions equal to or more than the Nisab value. If the Nisab criterion is met, one has to pay 2.5% of their possessions to eligible people. The eligibility of Zakat is essential for fulfilling this important obligation in Islam. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the significance of giving Zakat. It has the power to purify our wealth and help us get closer to Allah (SWT).
Many Muslims pay Zakat during Ramadan. However, one should remember that the Zakat cycle shouldn’t be compromised. Additionally, Zakat can be paid in advance, and you can always exercise generosity by giving more than your Zakat amount. In that case, your donations will be considered Sadaqah, the other form of charity in Islam.Islam encourages Muslims to be charitable and kind to each other.
Transparent Hands ensures that your Zakat and Sadaqah support the most deserving individuals. We believe access to basic health facilities is a fundamental human right. Please support our cause by donating now.
