All four schools agree that Zakat is an obligatory act of worship in Islam, involving the giving of a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. Zakat holds significant importance as it purifies wealth, fosters social justice, and helps support the less fortunate members of society.
Each school agrees that Zakat is obligatory for Muslims who possess wealth above the minimum threshold (nisab). The nisab value is based on the current price of gold or silver and varies slightly among the schools.
The principles of Zakat calculation and applicable rates are generally similar among the schools. They agree on applying a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) to Zakatable wealth, including cash, gold, silver, business assets, and some investments.
The schools generally allow the deduction of debts and liabilities from Zakatable wealth, but there may be some differences in how they handle specific cases.
The schools permit paying Zakat in advance, and the recommended time for giving Zakat is typically during the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, although it can be given at any time of the year. Many Muslims choose to pay their Zakat during Ramadan, especially during the last 10 nights.
Yes, Zakat can be given to charitable organizations and development projects that work towards promoting social welfare and development, as long as they meet the criteria of Zakat recipients. In Islam, Zakat is meant to be distributed to those who are eligible and in need, and it is one of the ways to fulfill this obligation is by contributing to reputable charitable causes.
At HCI, we work to support the poor, provide education, healthcare, clean water, and other essential services to those in need. We have established systems to ensure Zakat funds are appropriately utilized and distributed to eligible recipients.
In general, there are no exceptions or exemptions to paying Zakat in Islam. Zakat is considered an obligatory duty for eligible Muslims who possess wealth above the minimum threshold (nisab) and meet the conditions for Zakat payment. The concept of Zakat is rooted in the principle of social and economic justice, where those who have more wealth are obliged to help those in need. However, there are specific circumstances where certain assets may be exempt from Zakat.
The different categories of people eligible to receive Zakat, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, include the following:
The permissibility of giving Zakat to close relatives or immediate family members is a matter of differing opinions among Islamic scholars. The four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) have different stances on this issue. Let’s explore the general viewpoints:
It’s important to emphasize that Zakat is meant to be distributed to those who are eligible and in need, regardless of their relationship to the giver. Therefore, if your close relatives meet the criteria of eligible recipients, it would be permissible to give Zakat to them according to the views of the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools. However, if you follow the Hanafi or Maliki school, it would not be permissible to give Zakat to immediate family members like parents, children, and spouses.
The recommended amount for Zakat al Fitr is equivalent to the value of staple food.
Human Concern International is the oldest Muslim relief organization in Canada, fighting poverty for over 45 years.
We are a registered charity with the CRA. Charitable Registration No. 107497125 RR 0001