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Introduction

Zakah (الزكاة) is one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam. It purifies wealth, uplifts the needy, and strengthens social justice. While Shahadah and Salah focus on faith and devotion, Zakah represents responsibility, compassion, and the ethical use of wealth.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Islam is built upon five: testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakah, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 8; Sahih Muslim, 16)

1. What Is Zakah?

Zakah means purification and growth. By giving a portion of one’s wealth, a Muslim cleanses his heart from greed and allows society to prosper.
Unlike voluntary charity (sadaqah), Zakah is an obligatory act of worship prescribed by Allah.

The Qur’an says:
“Establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110)

2. Qur’anic Foundations of Zakah

Zakah is mentioned more than 30 times in the Qur’an, usually alongside Salah, showing its importance in a Muslim’s life.

Key verses:

• “Establish prayer and give zakah…”
  (Al-Baqarah 2:43)
• “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase…”
  (Al-Tawbah 9:103)

These verses highlight Zakah as a source of purification and blessing.

3. Who Must Pay Zakah?

Zakah becomes obligatory when a Muslim meets these conditions:

• Muslim
• Adult
• Sane
• Owns wealth above the Nisab
• Wealth remains for one lunar year

Current Nisab

• Gold: 85 grams
• Silver: 595 grams
• Rate: 2.5% on savings and eligible wealth

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no zakah due on wealth until a year passes over it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 1792)

4. Who Can Receive Zakah?

The Qur’an identifies eight categories eligible for Zakah:

• Poor
• Needy
• Zakah collectors
• Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
• Slaves/captives
• Those in debt
• In the cause of Allah
• Stranded travelers

(Surah Al-Tawbah 9:60)

This ensures fair distribution and support for vulnerable groups.

5. How to Calculate Zakah (Simple Method)

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1. Add up all your Zakah-eligible assets:
   • Cash
   • Bank savings
   • Business inventory
   • Gold and silver
   • Investments
2. Subtract debts due in the current year.
3. If the remaining amount meets the Nisab, pay 2.5%.

Example:
If total wealth = $10,000
Zakah = 10,000 × 2.5% = $250

6. Types of Zakah

a) Zakah al-Mal

The annual Zakah on wealth, trade goods, precious metals, and certain agricultural products.

b) Zakah al-Fitr

A charity paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan.

Ibn Umar (RA) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as one sa‘ of dates or barley…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1503; Sahih Muslim, 984)

7. Spiritual and Social Benefits of Zakah

a) Purification of Wealth and Heart

Zakah removes greed and ensures one’s wealth remains blessed.

b) Strengthening Brotherhood

It connects the wealthy and the poor through compassion.

c) Poverty Reduction

A well-applied Zakah in islam system serves as a powerful social safety net.

d) Earning Allah’s Pleasure

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever pays the zakah on his wealth will have its evil removed from him.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 1783)

8. Consequences of Not Paying Zakah

The Qur’an warns:

“Those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in Allah’s way—give them tidings of a painful punishment.”
(Al-Tawbah 9:34)

The Prophet ﷺ said that wealth withheld from Zakah will become a snake that bites its owner on the Day of Judgment.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1403)

This shows the seriousness of neglecting this obligation.

9. Practical Guidance

At JH Quran Academy, we emphasize:

• Learning Zakah rules correctly
• Calculating wealth annually
• Teaching generosity to children
• Supporting trusted Zakah distribution organizations

Conclusion

Zakah is more than a financial contribution—it is a comprehensive system of social justice designed to uplift communities, purify wealth, and bring spiritual reward.
At JH Quran Academy, we teach the deeper wisdom of Zakah: a sacred duty that benefits both the giver and society.