What is Zakah (Zakat)?

Zakaah in Arabic means growth, blessing and purification.  It is often pronounced as Zakat.  Zakaah is a specific type of charity which is a means of worshipping Allaah by giving that which He has enjoined of different kinds of zakaah to those who are entitled to them, according to the guidelines prescribed in sharee’ah.

There are eight categories on which zakaah must be spent, which Allaah has explained clearly. He states that this is a duty imposed by Allaah and that it is based on knowledge and wisdom. Allaah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise.

Qur’an 9:60

These eight are the categories who are entitled to zakaah and to whom it must be paid.

1. Fuqaraa’ (poor)
2. Al‑Masaakeen (the poor)
3. Those employed to collect the zakaah funds
4. To attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam
5. To free the captives
6. To those in debt
7. For Allaah’s Cause
8. For the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything);

The first and second are the fuqara’ and masaakeen (the poor and needy). They should be given zakaah to meet their needs. The difference between the fuqara’ and masaakeen is that the fuqara’ are in greater need; one of them cannot find enough to suffice himself and his dependents for half a year. The masaakeen are better off than the fuqara’, because they can find half of what will suffice them or more. These people should be given zakaah because of their need.

Zakaah applies to specific assets, which are:

1. Gold
2. Silver
3. Crops
4. Fruits
5. Trade goods
6. An’aam livestock (i.e., camels, cattle and sheep)

Zakaah is subject to the conditions that one full Hijri (lunar) year have passed since acquiring the wealth, and that the wealth meet the minimum threshold (nisaab), and it is a specific portion of wealth.

Relieve Humanity can help you fulfill your obligatory Zakaah Insha’Allah.  We focus on using your Zakaah charity funds to benefit people that qualify as Fuqaraa’ and Al-Masaakeen (poor).