Zakat (3rd pillar)

Question 1

method of Zakat?

Answer 1

-‘zaka’ increase or bless
-purification of wealth
-only wealth earned through halal means
-compulsory on every adult sane Muslim who owns property to the extent of nisab (min wealth on which zakat is payable) that has been in their possession for one year
+“And spend your wealth in the name of Allah… do good for Allah loves those who do good”
-payable on cash, jewelry, crops, animals minerals, land, and commercial goods

• 2.5% on cash, gold & silver
• nisab is approximately 613g of silver and 89g of gold
• khums 1/5 of mine produce
• Ushr on agricultural lands (10% on rain-fed/naturally irrigated land) and (20% on artificially irrigated)
• trade exceeding 200 dhirams
• 1 out of 40 sheep/goats & one calf per 30-40 cattle & on 5 camels on goat/sheep is due
• sadaqah ul Fitr (obligatory charity at end of Ramadan)
• who it must be distributed to
• who ar exempted/cannot be paid too

Question 2

How must zakat money be distributed?

Answer 2

+“alms are for the poor and needy and those who are employee to administer the funds; for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to the truth; for those on bondage snd dept; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer”

• poor and needy below nisab
• those with only basic necessities
• zakat collectors
• new converts who are poor & need help
• prisoners of war & slaves
• people in dept to meet their needs
• travelers
• organizations in service to Islam

Question 3

zakat cannot be paid to?

Answer 3

• non Muslims
• grandparents, parents, spouse, children, grandchildren
• those who meet nisab
• as wages
• debt of deceased and burial costs (recipient must be made owner)
• thus zakat cannot be spent on public services (road building etc)

Question 4

Benefits of Zakat to the giver?

Answer 4

• 3rd pillar
• made compulsory 2 AH
• benefits giver, receiver & society

-purifies the heart of greed & materialism
-strengthen the bond with god (sacrifice of wealth for Allah)
-multiplies wealth
+“the parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears and each ear has 100 grains”
-expiates sins
-open-handedness, generosity & sympathy
+“Take the charity from their wealth to purify and cleanse them by way of it”
-sincerity & commitment as they sacrifice & complete a pillar

Question 5

benefits of zakat to the receiver?

Answer 5

• a blessing that helps fulfill needs
• brotherhood & equality in the poor, no resentment for rich
• the source of power for the needy as it helps them fulfill needs and motivates them to earn for themselves

Question 6

Benefits of zakat to society?

Answer 6

-unity & compassion between everyone
-no resentment in anyone’s hearts
-relieves disparity and associated crimes
-prevents wealth from accumulating in the hands of the few
-eradicates begging as everyone gets their right
-circulation of wealth (after one-year zakat is due)
+Prophet(SAW): “If anyone of you is the guardian of an orphan who owns property he must trade with it and not leave to till zakat consumes it”