What is Zakat in Islam – Ultimate Guide
📚 Table of Contents
1️⃣ What is Zakat in Islam?
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is an obligatory charity and the third pillar of Islam. It’s not just a donation—it’s a divine financial obligation placed upon Muslims to purify their wealth and soul.
Zakat literally means “to purify” and “to grow”, symbolizing the idea that by giving away a portion of one’s wealth, the remainder becomes more blessed and prosperous.
🟢 Real-life Story: During the Caliphate of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, the system of Zakat was so well-managed and widespread that historians report there came a time when no one was poor enough to accept it. This reflects the true social justice Zakat aims to establish.
2️⃣ The Meaning of Zakat in English and Arabic
Arabic Definition: “Zakat” (زكاة) is derived from “zaka”, meaning purity, growth, and blessing.
English Understanding: Zakat is often translated as almsgiving, but it’s more accurately a spiritual tax and an act of worship.
Zakat is due only on specific types of wealth like gold, savings, agricultural produce, livestock, and business merchandise.
✨ Did you know? The English term “zakatable wealth” refers to wealth that meets the nisab (threshold) and is held for one lunar year.
3️⃣ Why is Zakat Important in Islam?
Zakat is not just a transaction—it’s a spiritual purification and a social reform tool.
✔️ Purifies Wealth: It cleanses one’s earnings from selfishness and materialism. ✔️ Reduces Inequality: It channels wealth from the rich to those in need. ✔️ Builds Brotherhood: It strengthens the community by fulfilling the needs of the poor.
📜 Story: A companion once asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) what was the best charity. He replied: “That which you give while you are healthy and reluctant to give, fearing poverty but hoping for riches…” (Bukhari)
This shows that Zakat isn’t just a ritual, it’s a sincere test of faith and generosity.
4️⃣ Zakat in the Quran & Hadith
The Qur’an mentions Zakat more than 30 times, often alongside Salah (prayer), showing its immense importance.
📖 Quranic Verse:
“And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
📖 Another Verse:
“Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase…” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
🟢 Prophetic Practice: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) personally appointed Zakat collectors and emphasized its fair distribution among the 8 eligible categories mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah 9:60.
5️⃣ Zakat as a Pillar of Islam
Zakat is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam:
Shahadah (Faith)
Salah (Prayer)
Zakat (Almsgiving)
Sawm (Fasting)
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Neglecting Zakat is a serious spiritual violation. Early Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) even fought those who refused to pay Zakat after the Prophet’s death.
6️⃣ Types of Zakat
There are two main types of Zakat:
Zakat Al-Mal – Due on wealth (money, gold, property, trade goods, etc.)
Zakat Al-Fitr – Paid at the end of Ramadan (per person)
🟢 Example: If someone owns 85 grams of gold or its equivalent in cash and holds it for one lunar year, they must give 2.5% as Zakat.
7️⃣ What is Zakat Al-Mal?
Zakat Al-Mal is the annual obligatory payment on one’s accumulated wealth.
Applicable on:
Gold & silver
Savings
Business inventory
Investment assets
📚 Historical Note: Imam Abu Hanifa explained in detail the conditions under which Zakat becomes obligatory—these principles still guide modern calculations today.
8️⃣ The Spiritual Impact of Giving Zakat
Giving Zakat brings: ✔️ Blessings in wealth ✔️ Peace in heart ✔️ Reduced attachment to dunya (worldly life)
📜 Story: Once, a man complained to the Prophet about his constant poverty. The Prophet advised him to give charity. Reluctantly, he did. Within days, his fortune changed. Giving, even a little, invites divine aid.
9️⃣ Common Misconceptions About Zakat
❌ It’s voluntary – No, Zakat is mandatory for eligible Muslims. ❌ Only cash is zakatable – Zakat applies to many forms of wealth. ❌ Zakat = Tax – Zakat is an act of worship, not a state-imposed tax.
🟢 Clarification: Non-Muslims are not obligated to give Zakat, and misuse of Zakat funds is a serious offense.
🔟 Conclusion: Zakat as a Transformative Force
Zakat isn’t just about charity. It’s about building an ethical economy, fostering community compassion, and achieving spiritual growth.
It teaches Muslims to detach from greed, care for others, and balance personal wealth with social duty.
📚 The Prophet (SAW) said: “Wealth is not diminished by charity.” (Muslim)
Let Zakat purify your wealth and your soul.
✅ Useful Links:
❓ FAQs About Zakat in Islam
1. What is the percentage of Zakat in Islam?
2. Who must pay Zakat?
3. What is the nisab for Zakat in gold?
4. Is Zakat applicable on salary?
5. Can Zakat be given to family members?
6. What is Zakat Al-Fitr?
7. Is Zakat mentioned in the Quran?
8. Can Zakat be given in advance?
9. What happens if someone doesn’t pay Zakat?
10. How to calculate Zakat today?
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Qur’an:
- Obligation of Zakat: “And establish prayer and give Zakat and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:56)
- Zakat Purifies Wealth: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)
- Recipients of Zakat: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the stranded traveler…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60)
- Zakat as an Obligation Alongside Prayer: “And those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give Zakat, it is they who will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:277)
References from Hadith:
- Zakat is one of the Pillars of Islam: “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: The testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing the prayer, giving the Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing the pilgrimage to the House [Kaaba].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 8)
- The Importance of Giving Zakat: “On the Day of Resurrection, the one who was given wealth and did not give Zakat from it, will be made to lie on his face in Hell and a serpent will be around his neck and it will bite him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1403)
- Zakat Purifies Wealth: “The example of the one who gives Zakat is like a man who plants a seed of a tree and from it grows seven branches, and on each branch there are a hundred fruits.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1006)
- The Obligation of Zakat: “If anyone is given wealth by Allah and does not pay its Zakat, then on the Day of Judgment, his wealth will be made like a poisonous snake that will bite him. The snake will be made to encircle his neck, and it will say to him, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1412)
- Zakat for the Poor and Needy: “There is no [Sadaqah] for a rich person unless they are in debt or in need.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1417)
These references highlight the importance and obligation of Zakat in Islam, the social benefits it provides, and the reward for those who give it sincerely. It also serves as a reminder that withholding Zakat can have severe consequences in the Hereafter.