Zakat Explained — Meaning, Nisab & Who Receives It
The obligatory charity that purifies wealth and supports those in need.
What Is Zakat?
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam — an obligatory annual payment of a fixed portion (2.5% for most cash and business assets) of a Muslim's qualifying wealth, given to specific categories of people once that wealth reaches or exceeds the Nisab threshold and has been held for one full lunar year.
What Is the Nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before Zakat becomes obligatory, traditionally based on the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Wealth below this threshold is not subject to Zakat.
Who Receives Zakat?
The Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60) specifies eight categories: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect Zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage (historically, to free slaves or captives), those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveler.
Zakat vs. Sadaqah
Zakat is obligatory and calculated precisely, while Sadaqah refers to any voluntary charity given at any time, in any amount. Both purify wealth and intention, but only Zakat is a fixed religious obligation.