Zakaah

Assalam-o-Alikum

What is Zakaah?

Zakaah is the third Pillar of Islam. Obligatory part of Islam. Once the savings (in terms of Gold, Silver, Cash and Trade goods) which is under one's possession for 1 Year reaches the Nisaab, Zakaah is obligatory to be paid.

Nisaab of Zakaah?

The nisaab ( Minimum Threshold of wealth) is 85 Grams of Gold, 595 Grams of Silver or Equivalent Amount of Money.

How Much
Zakaah has to be Paid?

2.5% of the sum of all the wealth have to paid 

To Whom Zakaah can be given?

As mentioned in Quran, Surah Tawbah 9:60 : “As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”

According to This Aayah, 8 Categories are Mentioned

1. Fuqaraa ( Poor )

2. Al Masaakeen ( The poor )

3. Those employed to collect funds

4. To attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam

5. To Free captives

6. Those in Debt

7. Mujahidoon

8. Travellers who are in need.

For Detailed discussion please read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/46209

Important Points to know about Paying Zakaat

• It is Wrong to wait till ramadan to Pay the Zakaah. As soon as the nisaab is under the possession for 1 year, Zakaah must be paid immediately. (Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/13981/)

• Husband is NOT responsible to pay for Wife's Jewellary. The person who owns that wealth have to pay.

• It is Permissible, Infact appreciated for a Wife to Give Zakaah to his husband (If husband falls in any of the 8 categories) (read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/12338)

• Zakaah is NOT payable on Gem stones unless they are for trade. ( Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/40210 )

• Scholars differ about is Zakaah is payable on the jewellary which is made for use. Hanafis are of the veiw that it is obligatory however Malik, Hanbal and Ahmed are of the veiw it is not obligatory. (Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/59866/  & http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/19901 )

• Zakaah is NOT to be paid to charitable Funds ( Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/94842 )

• Zakaah can be paid to organisations which take care of Poor Orphans

• Zakaah is not obligatory on the land which is not bought with the intention of Trading. ( Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/34802 )

• It should be noted that it is NOT necessary that whoever holds Nisaab have to pay Zakaah, If his/her financial conditions are weak, He can receive Zakaah. ( Read http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/79059 )

May Allah Guide Us all to the right Path

Please feel free to correct me, if there is any mistake.

Surely Allah knows the Best