Question 1

What is Zakat and how is it calculated?

Accepted Answer

Zakat is a determined right (haqq mu''ayyan) which Allah has obligated in specific kinds of wealth, when they reach a specific threshold (nisab), after the passage of one lunar year (hawl), to be given to specific categories of recipients (those mentioned in at-Tawbah 9:60). It is not voluntary charity — it is a pillar of Islam and a portion that the poor have a right to in the wealth of the rich ("And in their wealth was a known right for the beggar and the deprived." al-Ma''arij 70:24–25). The obligated wealth is of four types: (1) gold, silver, and currency — at the rate of 2.5%; the nisab is the value of 85g of gold or 595g of silver (and we adopt the silver nisab as it is more beneficial to the poor today). (2) Crops and fruits at harvest — 10% if rain-watered, 5% if irrigated by effort, with a nisab of 5 awsuq (~653 kg). (3) Livestock — camels, cattle, and sheep — at the detailed rates in the Sunnah, when they reach their respective nisabs and are grazing for most of the year. (4) Trade goods — calculated at the end of the hawl on their current market value at 2.5%. Personal use items (one''s home, car, furniture, working tools, clothing) are not subject to zakat.

Question 2

Who is eligible to receive zakat?

Accepted Answer

Allah Himself specified the eight categories of zakat recipients in the verse — leaving no room for human addition or subtraction: "Indeed, the charities (zakat) are only for the poor (al-fuqara''), the needy (al-masakin), those employed to collect them (al-''amilina ''alayha), those whose hearts are to be reconciled (al-mu''allafati qulubuhum), for freeing slaves (fir-riqab), for those in debt (al-gharimin), in the cause of Allah (fi sabil-illah), and for the stranded traveller (ibn as-sabil) — an obligation imposed by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." (at-Tawbah 9:60). The fact that Allah Himself enumerated them — and concluded with ''an obligation imposed by Allah'' — is conclusive proof that no one may invent a ninth category nor restrict to less than these. Zakat may not be given to one''s parents, children, grandchildren, or wife — for one is already obligated to maintain them, and giving them zakat would be returning the wealth to oneself in effect. It also may not be given to non-Muslims (except possibly in the category of mu''allafati qulubuhum), nor to the wealthy, nor to the descendants of the Prophet (ﷺ) — Banu Hashim — for he said: "Indeed charity is not befitting for the family of Muhammad, for it is the dirt of the people." (Muslim 1072).

Question 3

How do Muslims decide who to give their charity to?

Accepted Answer

When giving charity, whether it is the obligatory Zakat or voluntary sadaqah, it is not only permissible but often preferable to give to one's own relatives if they are in need. This position is based on clear evidence from the Sunnah and the general principles of Islamic generosity.

The primary condition is that these relatives must be among the categories eligible to receive Zakat, as outlined in the Qur'an, such as the poor and needy. Furthermore, one cannot give Zakat to dependents whom one is already Islamically obligated to provide for, such as one's own wife, children, or parents. Doing so would effectively be cycling the money back to oneself and shirking the duty of financial maintenance (nafaqah). As Shaykh Ibn Baz clarified, one must provide for them from one's own wealth, separate from the Zakat.

However, if a relative is not a direct dependent—such as a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, or cousin—and they are poor, then giving Zakat or sadaqah to them is highly encouraged. This is because such an act combines two virtues in one: the virtue of giving charity and the virtue of upholding the ties of kinship (silat ar-rahim).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly stated the merit of this. This dual reward makes giving to a needy relative a greater priority than giving to a needy person who is not a relative, assuming their level of need is comparable. Therefore, a Muslim should first look to their own extended family to see if there are eligible recipients before distributing their charity more widely.

Question 4

Is it permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use it for general charitable purposes, not exclusively for the eight categories?

Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use the funds for general charitable purposes, such as building mosques, schools, repairing roads, or other projects that benefit the public. Zakat is a specific act of worship with divinely mandated recipients.

Allah, the Most High, has explicitly defined the categories of people and causes eligible to receive Zakat in the Qur'an. These categories are exclusive and limited to the eight mentioned in His statement:

> 'Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.' (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (al-Lajnah ad-Da'imah) was asked about this matter and ruled that Zakat cannot be spent on such projects. They clarified that the phrase 'in the cause of Allah' (fi sabilillah) in this verse, according to the consensus of early scholars, refers specifically to jihad (striving in the path of Allah with arms and financing it). It does not encompass all acts of good.

Therefore, a person's Zakat obligation is not fulfilled if they pay it for such general welfare purposes. These are undoubtedly virtuous acts of charity (sadaqah) for which one will be rewarded, but they must be funded from non-Zakat wealth. Zakat is a trust that must be delivered to its designated recipients as an pillar of Islam. The organization receiving the Zakat must be trusted to distribute 100% of the funds to one or more of the eight categories stipulated in the verse.

Question 5

How do Muslims decide who to give their charity to?

Accepted Answer

When giving charity, whether the obligatory Zakat or voluntary sadaqah, Islam encourages prioritizing those in one's own family and community. Shaykh Ibn Baz clarified this based on the guidance from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

The general recipients of obligatory Zakat are outlined by Allah in the Qur'an. However, for both Zakat and voluntary charity, one's relatives who are in need have a greater right than strangers, provided they are not dependants whom one is already obligated to support (like one's own parents or children). Giving Zakat to a poor brother, sister, uncle, or cousin, for instance, is permissible and highly encouraged if they fall into the categories of the poor and needy.

For voluntary charity (sadaqah), giving to relatives is even more virtuous. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Charity given to the poor is charity, and charity given to a relative is two things: charity and upholding the ties of kinship." This indicates a double reward for the giver.

Therefore, a Muslim should first look to their own family. If they have poor relatives, such as siblings or uncles who are struggling financially, these relatives should be the first recipients of their charity. After fulfilling the needs of relatives, one should then extend their charity to other needy individuals in their local community, and then to the wider Muslim ummah. This hierarchy ensures that the foundations of the family and local community are strengthened, in accordance with Islamic principles of mutual care and responsibility.

Question 6

Can Zakat be paid for educational expenses?

Accepted Answer

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' holds the position that Zakat funds are restricted to the eight categories of recipients specified by Allah in the Qur'an.

Regarding the category 'fi sabilillah' (in the cause of Allah), the Committee aligns with the majority of the Salaf (early Muslims) and the four Imams, interpreting it to refer specifically to jihad (physical struggle) to make the word of Allah supreme. Based on this interpretation, it is not permissible to use Zakat funds for general charitable projects like building schools, hospitals, or other educational initiatives, as these do not fall under the specific meaning of 'fi sabilillah'.

However, this does not mean a student can never benefit from Zakat. A student in need of financial assistance may be given Zakat if they fall into one of the other specified categories, primarily 'the poor' (al-fuqara) or 'the needy' (al-masakin). If a student's financial situation renders them poor or needy, they are eligible to receive Zakat funds to cover their basic needs. These needs can include food, housing, clothing, and also the necessary costs of their education, such as tuition, books, and supplies.

The crucial distinction is that the Zakat is given to the student due to their state of poverty or need, not simply because they are a student. The funds are given to the individual to manage their own affairs, which includes paying for their legitimate educational expenses. Therefore, one should give the Zakat to the eligible student directly, rather than paying the educational institution on their behalf.

Question 7

Is it permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use it for general charitable purposes, not exclusively for the eight categories?

Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to give zakat funds to charitable organizations that spend them on general charitable purposes, such as building mosques, schools, or hospitals, or other projects of public benefit. The distribution of zakat is divinely restricted to eight specific categories of recipients.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ was asked about spending zakat on charitable projects, and they ruled that it is not permissible. They clarified that Allah Himself has designated the recipients of zakat in the Qur’an, and it is not permissible to spend it elsewhere.

They based their ruling on the verse:
(As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat) are only for the Fuqara’ (poor), and Al-Masakin (the needy) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujahidun - those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.) [at-Tawbah 9:60]

The word "innama" (translated as "only for") in the verse indicates restriction (hasr), meaning that zakat is exclusively for these eight categories and no others. Therefore, spending zakat on general good deeds is not valid.

However, it is permissible to give zakat to a charitable organization that acts as an agent (wakeel) to distribute the funds *specifically* to individuals who fall into one or more of these eight categories. The giver of zakat must ensure that the organization is trustworthy and will adhere to these Islamic guidelines. If the organization pools zakat with general donations (sadaqah) to fund its projects, one cannot give their zakat to it. Funds for such general projects should come from voluntary charity (sadaqah), not the obligatory zakat.

Question 8

Can Zakat be paid for educational expenses?

Accepted Answer

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (al-Lajnah ad-Da'imah) has addressed the issue of using Zakat funds for educational purposes.

They clarify that Allah has specified the eight categories of Zakat recipients in the Qur'an. If a student falls into one of these categories, it is permissible to give them Zakat. The most common category students may fall under is 'the poor and the needy' (al-fuqara' wal-masakin). If a student, whether in religious or secular studies, is poor and unable to meet their essential needs (including tuition, books, and living expenses), they can be given Zakat due to their poverty.

The Committee also discussed the category of 'in the cause of Allah' (fee sabeelillah). They state that the primary and unanimously agreed-upon meaning of this category is jihad (struggle in the way of Allah). However, some scholars have expanded its meaning to include the pursuit of Islamic knowledge (talab al-'ilm al-shar'i). Based on this, the Committee ruled that it is permissible to give Zakat to a student who is dedicated to seeking Shari'ah knowledge and is unable to earn a living because of their commitment to their studies. This is because seeking and spreading Islamic knowledge is a form of jihad.

However, the Committee did not extend this ruling to students of secular sciences (like medicine, engineering, etc.) if they are not poor. It is not permissible to give them Zakat from the share of 'fee sabeelillah'. Their education, while potentially beneficial, does not fall under this specific Zakat category unless they also qualify as poor or needy.

Therefore, one must differentiate: a student can receive Zakat if they are poor, regardless of their field of study. A student of Islamic knowledge who is not necessarily poor but is prevented from earning due to their full-time studies can receive it from the 'fee sabeelillah' share.

Question 9

What is the ruling on Zakat for rented properties?

Accepted Answer

Shaykh Ibn Baz was asked about the method of calculating Zakat for a house that is rented out. He clarified that Zakat is not obligatory on the value of the property itself, as it is a fixed asset not intended for sale. Instead, the Zakat is due on the income generated from the rent.

The owner of the property should collect the rental income. When a full lunar year (hawl) has passed upon this collected income reaching the minimum threshold (nisab), Zakat becomes due. The nisab is the equivalent of 85 grams of gold. If the collected rent reaches this amount and remains in the owner's possession for a full year, they must pay 2.5% of the total amount as Zakat.

For example, if a person collects rental payments throughout the year, he combines this income with his other cash assets. When his annual Zakat date arrives (one year after his total wealth first reached the nisab), he calculates 2.5% of the total money he possesses, which includes any saved rental income.

Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that if the owner spends the rental income on their needs (such as maintenance, living expenses, or paying off debts) before a year has passed on it, then no Zakat is due on the amount that has been spent. Zakat is only applicable to the wealth that has been saved for a full lunar year.

This ruling treats the rental income like any other form of cash earnings. The property is considered a capital asset for generating revenue, and the resulting revenue is the subject of Zakat, not the asset itself.

Question 10

Is it permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use it for general charitable purposes, not exclusively for the eight categories?

Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use it for general charitable purposes that do not fall under the eight specific categories mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' was asked about this matter and clarified that the recipients of Zakat are strictly limited to those mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah. Allah, the Most High, says:

"Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)

Based on this verse, the scholars of the Committee stated that Zakat may not be spent on other forms of good deeds, such as building mosques, schools, or hospitals, or repairing roads, as these are not included within the eight categories. These types of projects should be funded through voluntary charity (sadaqah) and donations other than the obligatory Zakat.

However, it is permissible to give your Zakat to a trustworthy charitable organization that acts as your agent (*wakeel*) to distribute the funds *specifically* to the eligible recipients. The giver has the responsibility to ensure the organization is reliable and will correctly channel the Zakat to one or more of the eight categories. If the organization mixes Zakat funds with general donations and spends them on projects outside of these categories, one has not fulfilled the obligation of Zakat by giving to them.

Zakat & Charity

What is Zakat and how is it calculated?

Who is eligible to receive zakat?

How do Muslims decide who to give their charity to?

Is it permissible to give Zakat to organizations that use it for general charitable purposes, not exclusively for the eight categories?

Can Zakat be paid for educational expenses?

What is the ruling on Zakat for rented properties?

Is Zakat required on agricultural produce and livestock?

What if I don't know if someone is truly poor when giving Zakat?

Are there specific virtues or rewards for giving charity in Islam?

What is the difference between Zakat al-Fitr and Sadaqah al-Fitr?

Can I pay my Zakat in installments?

Is Zakat due on inherited wealth immediately or after a certain period?

When is the best time to pay Zakat al-Fitr?

Does Zakat apply to investments like stocks or cryptocurrency?

What is the concept of 'nisab' in Zakat?

What is the general Islamic teaching on helping those in need?

What happens if I miss paying Zakat for a year?

What is the spiritual significance of giving Zakat?

Is it permissible to deduct debts from wealth before calculating Zakat?

Can Zakat be given to someone who is wealthy but in debt?

Can Zakat be given to build a mosque or Islamic center?

What is the difference between Zakat al-Mal and Zakat al-Fitr?

Why do Muslims give charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) and how much?

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