Zakat Calculator

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Zakat Calculator

The Significance of Zakat in Islam

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, holds a central role in fostering a just and compassionate society. Its significance is emphasized by the fact that Salah (prayer) and Zakat are mentioned together 32 times in the Holy Quran, underscoring their interconnectedness and divine importance (Rad-dul-Muhtar, Kitab-uz-Zakah, vol. 3, pp. 202).

Through Zakat, believers purify their wealth, fulfill their obligation to Allah, and contribute to the welfare of the community. It is not just an act of charity but a fundamental duty, reminding Muslims of their responsibility toward the less fortunate.

Types of Zakat

There are two primary types of Zakat:

  1. Zakat of Wealth
  • Gold and silver
  • Trade goods, livestock, cultivated crops, and fruits (Ushr)
  1. Zakat of People (Sadaqat-ul-Fitr)
    This is given during Ramadan to help those in need celebrate Eid with dignity.

Rulings on Zakat

Zakat is obligatory for Muslims who possess wealth above the Nisab threshold. It involves giving 2.5% of one’s wealth annually to specific categories of recipients outlined in the Quran and Hadith. Unlike Zakat al-Fitr, which is given at the end of Ramadan, Zakat of wealth is a continual obligation.

Key rulings include:

  • The giver must have sincere intentions.
  • It should be distributed primarily within the local community unless greater need exists elsewhere.
  • Proper calculation requires consultation with knowledgeable scholars if doubts arise.

Quranic Evidence on Zakat

Allah commands in the Quran:

“And keep Salah (obligatory prayer) established and pay Zakat (obligatory charity).”
[Kanz-ul-Iman, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 43]

The Quran further states:

“Take Zakat from their wealth to cleanse and purify them.”
[Kanz-ul-Iman, Surah At-Taubah, Ayah 103]

These verses affirm the divine obligation of Zakat and its role in spiritual purification.

Virtues and Benefits of Zakat

  1. Completes Faith
    The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The completion of your Islam is that you pay Zakat.”
(Attargheeb Wattarheeb, Kitab-us-Sadaqaat, vol. 1, pp. 301)

  1. Brings Allah’s Mercy

“And My Mercy encompasses all things, so I shall soon decree favours for those who fear and pay Zakat.”
[Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 156]

  1. Fosters Brotherhood
    Zakat builds a harmonious community by addressing the needs of the underprivileged, strengthening bonds, and promoting mutual respect.
  2. Purifies Wealth
    The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Give Zakat of your wealth as it is the one that purifies.”
(Al-Musnad Imam Ahmad)

  1. Protects from Harm

“He who has paid Zakat of his wealth, indeed, Allah has removed evil from him.”
(Al-Mujam-ul-Awsat)

  1. Secures Allah’s Support

“Indeed, Allah will definitely help the one who helps His religion.”
[Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 40]

Recipients of Zakat

Initially, Zakat was distributed among eight categories as mentioned in the Quran, later streamlined to seven based on the Sahabah’s consensus:

  1. The poor (Fuqara)
  2. The destitute (Masakeen)
  3. Zakat collectors
  4. Slaves, to free them
  5. Debtors
  6. In the cause of Allah
  7. Travellers in need

Zakat: A Path to Spiritual and Social Growth

Zakat is a transformative act that purifies the giver’s soul, erases greed, and fosters empathy. It reminds believers of the temporary nature of worldly wealth and their ultimate accountability to Allah. By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims align their lives with the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion, creating a society rooted in mutual care and divine blessings.

Let us embrace the teachings of Zakat, ensuring its proper calculation and heartfelt distribution to uplift the lives of those in need while securing eternal rewards.

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