Definition
A specified portion (usually 2.5% on cash and trade goods) of one's wealth held for a lunar year, given annually to the eight categories of recipients defined in the Qur'an (at-Tawbah 9:60).
Pronunciation: za-KĀH
Etymology & Root
From ز-ك-و (z-k-w), meaning 'to purify' and 'to grow.' Zakāh purifies the wealth and the giver, and causes the wealth to grow in barakah.
Usage in the Qur'an
'Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase.' (at-Tawbah 9:103)
Scholarly Notes
Zakāh is owed on: gold, silver, cash (and equivalents like crypto per its current value), trade goods, livestock at specific thresholds, and produce. Personal-use items (home, car, clothes) are not zakatable.
Practical Application
Set a fixed annual date (e.g. 1st Ramaḍān) to calculate and distribute zakāh — it standardises the lunar year requirement.
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
Pilgrimage to Makkah — fifth pillar of Islam.
Fasting — fourth pillar of Islam.
The lesser pilgrimage — performed any time of year.
The five daily prayers — second pillar of Islam.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar — month of obligatory fasting.
The state of consecration entered into for hajj or umrah.