In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, Ever Merciful.

Mosque
  1. The Pillars of Islam
  2. ZAKAT (ALMS): THE THIRD PILLAR
  3. Short Phrases
  4. Islamic Year
  5. Requirment for Scholar and Daya
  6. How to write will in Islam

ZAKAT (ALMS): THE THIRD PILLAR

What is Zakat: Zakat is collected from only Muslims and distributed to only Muslims. Zakat should not be used for building a mosque or other place of worship. It is not proper to transfer Zakat from one city or country to another except when dire need exist. However, it is allowed to transfer zakat to a needy family member in another city or country.

Requirements of Zakat:

  1. Niyat (Intention): Zakat is an act of worship and as such an intention of paying Zakat is necessary before giving the zakat. So, after calculating the amount that must be given, the intention should be made and the calculated amount be taken out.
  2. Nissab: Nissab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim possesses throughout the year. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) determined the Nissab as equal to the value of 20 dinars (mithqals) of gold. Then, a Muslim would pay Zakat at a rate of 2.5% on the total amount he possesses. The 20 dinars of gold are equivalent to be 85 grams or 3.0 ounces of gold. This includes paper money, gold, silver, bank account, saving account, stocks, Mutual Fund, Bonds and collectable debts. However, it does not include woman personal jewelry, dwelling building, personal car, clothing, tools and equipment used for trade or business.
  3. Haul: The time period of one year which wealth has remained in one possession is called Haul. Therefore, a Muslim must hasten to pay his share of Zakat before the end of the year.

To Whom Zakat Be Given: The Blessed Qur'an says; "Alms are for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer the funds, and for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to truth, and for those, and those in servitude and debt; in the cause of Allah and for the wayfarer. Thus it is ordained by Allah and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom" (Qur'an 9: 60) Zakat may be given to one or all of those mentioned in the aforementioned verse. Zakat may also be given to the community Mosque or Islamic Center for proper distribution

Zakat Ul-Mal Calculation Form

 

 

 

Zakat Ul-Mal Calculation Form

 

 

Zakah can be defined as that portion of a man’s wealth, which is designated for the poor.  It constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam.

 

Step No.

Explanation

Amount U.S. $

1

Cash on hand and in bank

 

2

Gold and Silver (Coins, Bars, Jewelry…ect) *

 

3

Non-delinquent loans (Money you loaned to others and expect to be repaid)

 

4

Shares of Stocks

 

5

Loans (Money you borrowed for business only)

 

6

Business Inventory (Market value of inventory items at the Zakat due date)

 

7

Real Estate (Designated for sale)

 

8

Net profits from business

 

9

Total amount (Add lines 1 through 8)

 

10

If the amount in step 9 is less than the Nisab **

ZAKAT UL-MAL

is not

REQUIRED

11

Zakat due (If the amount in step 9 is greater than the Nisab **)

Total amount on step 9 X (Times) 0.025

 

*          Jewelry is not subject to Zakah unless its amount is excessive or is for business purposes.  However, some scholars are in the opinion of that woman’s gold or silver jewelry must pay Zakah.

 

**        Nisab is 3 oz of pure gold valued at approximately $800 as of November 7, 2000.  A complete year of Islamic calendar should pass, starting from the very day of the nisab’s possession.

 

Zakat Ul Fitr

 

Zakat ul-fitr is a type of sadaqah, which must be paid by every Muslim, young and old, male and female, at the end of the month of Ramadan (the month of fasting).  Its purpose is to purify one who fasts from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and the needy.  The required amount of Zakat ul-fitr is one sa’ (One Sa’ equals approximately three Kilograms) of wheat, barely, raisins, dry cottage cheese (aqit), rice, corn, or similar items considered as basic food.

 

The amount of Zakat ul-Fitr is approximated to be $8 per person

 

 

Zakat Ul-Fitr Calculation

 

 

Number of family members X $8  = total amount due