Giving Zakat

Conditions that oblige one to give Zakat

Zakat is a mandatory payment on specified wealth that is owned or possessed, according to the Shari’ah. It is required when an individual possesses wealth equal to or exceeding the Nisab, which is considered a threshold of wealth indicating richness. The Qur'an and Sunnah provide guidelines on which types of wealth are subject to Zakat and the rates at which they should be charged.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) outlined a comprehensive inventory of items that are eligible for Zakat, along with their respective rates. He also set up exemptions and criteria to determine the applicability of Zakat. However, it is important to note that Zakat becomes obligatory only when certain conditions, which pertain to both the payer and the wealth being assessed, are fulfilled. These conditions are viewed as a Mercy from the Almighty.

Receiving Zakat

Zakat recipients

The money collected from Zakat is then distributed to eight types of people
1. Fakir – those with little to no income or wealth
2. Miskin – those who are without food
3. Amil – anyone designated to collect and distribute Zakat
4. Riqab – anyone held involuntarily against their will in captivity or as a slave
5. Gharmin – those struggling with unmanageable debt
6. Fisabilillah – those who fight for Allah(SWT)
7. Ibnus Sabil – struggling or stranded travellers
8. Muallaf –Revert Muslims

Manner for distributing zakat

Once the Zakat giver transfers complete ownership and possession of the Zakat to any of the mentioned eligible categories, their obligation is fulfilled. This can be achieved by providing a specific amount of money to fulfill the recipient's basic needs or by equipping them with tools for trade or means of production to empower them towards self-sufficiency.

Who is ineligible to receive zakat?

1. Immediate family members such as parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren, and a husband cannot give Zakat to his wife.
2. Institutions or organisations that use Zakat funds for purposes such as construction, investment, or salaries.
3. Non-muslims
4. Deceased person who has no heirs, as they cannot become the owner of Zakat funds.

It is important to ensure that the recipient of Zakat is truly in need before giving Zakat, and if there is uncertainty about their financial status, it is better to verify before giving Zakat. If Zakat is given without proper inquiry and it is later found out that the recipient is not in need, the Zakat given is not considered valid and must be given again to the rightful recipient.

Why local Zakat

Throughout the history of Islam, including the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there is ample evidence that emphasizes the priority of providing Zakat, a form of alms-giving, to the poor and needy within a local community rather than those outside of it.
Addressing local crises facing our community such as Muslim refugees, domestic violence victims and more.

Local Zakat is an obligation as it fosters a sense of unity and helps address local needs effectively.