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Learn: Zakat Methodology

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Understand exactly how your zakat is calculated, check today's nisab values, and compare madhab opinions, all in one place.

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What is Zakat?

What is Zakat?

Zakat (زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, an obligatory act of worship through wealth. Every Muslim whose net zakatable assets meet or exceed the nisab threshold for one full lunar year (hawl) must pay 2.5% of that wealth to those in need.

The word zakat comes from the Arabic root meaning purification and growth. It purifies wealth, fosters social solidarity, and helps bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in Muslim communities worldwide.

This is fard (فرض), not optional

Zakat is not charity, a donation, or a good deed you can skip. It is a mandatory act of worship and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, on the same level as prayer and fasting. Refusing to pay zakat while meeting the conditions is a major sin. The first caliph, Abu Bakr (RA), famously declared war on tribes that refused to pay it after the Prophet's ﷺ passing, saying: "By Allah, I will fight anyone who separates prayer from zakat." (Sahih Bukhari 1400)

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

"And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship]."

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا

"Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify and sanctify them."

Surah At-Tawbah 9:103

Rate

2.5%

of net zakatable wealth

Threshold

Nisab

87.48g gold or 612.36g silver

Period

1 Hawl

one full lunar year

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This guide is educational and does not constitute religious or financial advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified Islamic scholar who knows your circumstances.