What is Zakat and How Much Do I Pay?

Zakat is an obligatory form of charity in Islam, calculated on a Muslim's qualifying savings and wealth once it exceeds a minimum threshold, and given annually to those in need.

Who Has to Pay Zakat

Zakat becomes obligatory once a Muslim's wealth exceeds a minimum threshold called nisab, and has been held for one full lunar year.

How Much Is Owed

The commonly cited rate is 2.5% of qualifying wealth (savings, gold, silver, and certain other assets) held above the nisab threshold for a full year.

Who Can Receive Zakat

Traditional categories of recipients include the poor, the needy, those in debt, and other specific groups outlined in early Islamic sources.

Zakat vs. Sadaqah

Zakat is a specific, calculated, obligatory annual amount, while Sadaqah refers to general voluntary charity, given in any amount at any time.

Common Questions

Is Zakat the same as income tax? No — Zakat is a religious obligation tied to wealth held over time, calculated differently from government income tax, and given directly to eligible recipients or a trusted charitable body.