Zakat is a mandatory charitable donation that applies to all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. It is the third Pillar of Islam and refers to the obligatory donation to charity expected of every qualifying Mulsim, as opposed to an act of voluntary generosity through Sadaqah. There are certain regulations surrounding who is allowed to benefit from Zakat donations.
With this being said, Zakat isn’t to be confused with Zakat al-Fitr; Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory donation that must be made ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Here, we will cover the primary concerns of Zakat that are queried by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Zakat Meaning
Zakat directly translates to “that which purifies”. This refers to the notion that Zakat cleanses one’s wealth.
When is Zakat Due in 2022?
There is no set time frame in which Zakat needs to be paid, as long as it’s done on an annual basis. Upon reaching the Nisab threshold and holding it for a full lunar year, you will be required to pay Zakat.
Can Zakat be Donated Ahead of Ramadan?
Yes Zakat can be donated ahead of Holly Ramadab. As previously mentioned, Zakat may be paid at any time of the year. These times include prior to, during, or subsequent to Ramadan. Lots of Muslims decide to donate their Zakat during Ramadan as this is when they’re able to reap the most rewards. As well as this, Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) will need to be paid during Ramadan by all adults with food in excess of their needs.
Can Zakat uses for Building a Mosque?
Allah (SWT) permits Zakat to be spent in eight separate ways, including:
- The wayfarer – those who are travelling and/or stranded with limited supplies
- For the cause of Allah
- Those in debt
- Those in bondage – such as captives and slaves
- New Muslims and friends of the Islamic community
- Zakat administrators – such as charities
- The needy (al-masakin) – someone in hardship
- The poor (al-fuqara) – someone with little to no income
As you can see, Mosques aren’t included with the above list, meaning that Zakat can’t be used to build a Mosque.
Can Zakat be Donated for Education?
Educational institutions like schools aren’t eligible for receiving Zakat as Zakat payments are intended to provide someone who has nothing with something. However, if the students are eligible for Zakat, it would be possible to donate to them.
Zakat is a mandatory charitable donation that applies to all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. It is the third Pillar of Islam and refers to the obligatory donation to charity expected of every qualifying Mulsim, as opposed to an act of voluntary generosity through Sadaqah. There are certain regulations surrounding who is allowed to benefit from Zakat donations.
With this being said, Zakat isn’t to be confused with Zakat al-Fitr; Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory donation that must be made ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Here, we will cover the primary concerns of Zakat that are queried by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Zakat Meaning
Zakat directly translates to “that which purifies”. This refers to the notion that Zakat cleanses one’s wealth.
