Give Your Zakat

The word Zakat means 'to purify' - reflecting the belief that giving it cleanses one’s wealth, brings blessings, and increases its value in both this life and the hereafter.

The nisab is the minimum value of wealth one must possess in order to pay Zakat. It is defined as the value of 87.5g of pure gold or 625g silver. Most scholars favour the lower value as it means that more people can pay Zakat and therefore there are more beneficiaries.

1. Gold and silver, including ornaments or jewellery containing gold and/or silver
2. Cash held at home or in bank accounts
3. Stocks and shares owned directly or through investment funds
4. Money lent to others Business stock in trade and merchandise
5. Agricultural produce
6. Livestock animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camels
7. Produce of mines
8. Pensions
9. Property owned for investment purposes

You can pay your Zakat at any time, but many people chose to do so during the month of Ramadan when the reward for our good deeds is multiplied and it is easier to calculate the lunar year.

Yes you can. Simply calculate your Zakat payments, divide this by 12 and set up a regular gift, specifying Zakat as the type of donation.

For more information on our donation policy please see our ‘How Your Money is Spent’ page.

Zakat is an obligatory form of charity given annually to certain groups of people like the needy. Sadaqah, however, is a voluntary form of charity with no fixed amount and can be given to anyone in need.

Zakat is a mandatory charity specifically for Muslims. Non-Muslims are not required to pay it. However, donations from all faiths are warmly welcomed.

Zakat al-Maal refers to the Zakat on wealth, more commonly referred to as Zakat.

If you owe Zakat from previous years, for each year calculate 2.5% of the total wealth you owned at that year’s end and pay that amount as Zakat. If you’re unsure of the exact amount, estimate it as accurately as possible.

You can use our free online calculator to help calculate your Zakat or consult a knowledgeable scholar for assistance.

The 'Fuqara' are individuals whose wealth is below the Nisab threshold, while the 'Masakin' are those who lack enough food for the day - making up 15-20% of the global population.

If the wealth has been in the individual’s possession for a full year, he or she must give 2.5% of it as Zakat.

Total wealth can include:

Gold and Silver Cash in hand and bank accounts Pensions Investment Property Stock and shares Money lent out Business stock Agriculture produce

Zakat can be given at any time of the year, however, many people choose to give it during the holy month of Ramadan to maximize the blessings and spiritual benefits.

Zakat is due once a lunar year has passed since the wealth first reaches the nisab threshold.

Islamically, wealth must be held for one 'Hawl' before Zakat becomes due.

Hawl is the period an individual must hold wealth before paying Zakat on it. Traditionally, this period is one lunar year, or approximately 354 days.

When calculating Zakat based on the lunar (Hijri) year, the rate is 2.5% of eligible assets. However, because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the 365 day solar (Gregorian) year, a slight adjustment is needed if using the Gregorian calendar.

**- Lunar Year (Hijri) Zakat rate: 2.5% (standard rate)

Solar Year (Gregorian) Zakat rate: 2.577% (adjusted rate to account for the longer year)** If you calculate Zakat using the Gregorian calendar, use 2.577% to maintain an equivalent annual payment. Although this approach is permitted by scholars, most recommend following the Hijri calendar for accuracy in Zakat calculations.

The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those who cannot meet their basic needs including food, clothing, and shelter.

The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those facing hardship due to an illness, disability, or other misfortunes or cannot support themselves financially.

Zakat Collectors (Amil Zakat): Those responsible for collecting, managing, and distributing Zakat.

New Muslims (Muallafatul Qulub): New converts to Islam who may need financial assistance.

Slaves or Captives (Riqab): Those who are in slavery or captivity. This category is less common today. They may help them secure their freedom or improve their circumstances.

Debtors (Al-Gharimun): Individuals unable to pay off their debts. Zakat can be used to help them pay off their debts.

For the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): Individuals involved in activities that spread Islam, such as scholars, preachers, and those working to further the cause of Islam.

The Wayfarer (Ibn as-Sabil): Stranded travellers or those in need of financial support while on a journey, even if they are wealthy but temporarily without resources during travel.

Fitrana, also known as Zakat al-Fitr, is a charitable food donation made prior to Eid al-Fitr prayer.

Zakat al-Fitr should be the equivalent to one saa’ of food. Saa’ is an equivalent to four madd, which is an amount of food that can be scooped up with two hands. In today’s value, one saa’ is the cash value equivalent of food staples like rice or flour in Canada, which is equivalent to approximately $10 CAD.

Fitrana must be paid by every Muslim who has food in excess. It is an obligation on every person in your household, but can be paid by the head of the household, parents or guardians on behalf of family members.

Eid Fitrana is another term for Fitrana, which refers to a charitable food donation given before Eid al-Fitr, before the end of the month of Ramadan.

Sadaqatul Fitrana is another term used to refer to Zakat al Fitr or Fitrana.