زكاة

Zakat (Cash Distribution)

🔊 Pronunciation: za-KAAT

The obligatory annual charity (one of the Five Pillars of Islam), distributed as cash to eligible recipients.

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim whose total wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for one full lunar year. The word "Zakat" comes from the Arabic root meaning "purification" and "growth" — paying Zakat purifies your wealth and causes it to grow through Allah's blessing.

How Much Is Zakat?

Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of total qualifying wealth held for one complete lunar year. Qualifying wealth includes:

  • Cash savings (in bank accounts, at home, or in digital wallets)
  • Gold and silver (including jewellery, according to the Hanafi school)
  • Business stock and inventory
  • Investment properties (rental income)
  • Shares and investment portfolios
  • Pensions (the accessible portion)

You subtract any outstanding debts from your total assets. If the remainder exceeds the Nisab, you pay 2.5% of the total.

The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients

The Quran (9:60) specifies exactly who may receive Zakat:

  1. Al-Fuqara — The poor (those without sufficient means)
  2. Al-Masakin — The needy (those in difficulty)
  3. Al-Amilina Alayha — Zakat administrators
  4. Al-Mu'allafati Qulubuhum — Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
  5. Fir-Riqab — Those in bondage (freeing slaves/captives)
  6. Al-Gharimin — Those in debt
  7. Fi Sabilillah — In the cause of Allah
  8. Ibn as-Sabil — The wayfarer (stranded traveller)

Why Cash Distribution?

Our Zakat Distribution (Cash) project delivers Zakat as direct cash to verified eligible recipients. Cash distribution empowers recipients to spend on their most urgent needs — whether food, medicine, rent, or education — rather than receiving predetermined goods. Each distribution is documented with photographic evidence through our Hand2Hand delivery model.

When to Pay Zakat

Many Muslims choose to pay Zakat during Ramadan to benefit from the multiplied rewards of charity during this blessed month. However, Zakat can be paid at any time of year as long as it is calculated on wealth held for one full lunar year.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakat, making pilgrimage to the House, and fasting Ramadan. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Put This Into Practice

Fulfil your Zakat obligation through verified cash distribution to eligible recipients.

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