WHAT IS ZAKAH?
The literal meaning of Zakat is purification, increase (i.e. increase and blessing). Since Zakat causes spiritual purification and increase for the remaining wealth, that is why it is called Zakat.
Zakat is obligatory on every sane, adult and free Muslim who meets the following conditions: (1) He is the owner of the Nisab. (2) It is called Nisab. (3) The Nisab is in his possession. (4) The Nisab is more than his basic needs (i.e. the necessities of life). (5) The Nisab is free from debt (i.e. there is no debt on it that is demanded by the servants, so that if he pays the debt, his Nisab will not remain.) (6) One year has passed on this Nisab.
WHO ENTITLED TO TAKE ZAKAH?
Shariah has set a particular financial level for a person to be entitled to Zakah. The wisdom in it is that those leading their lives in extreme destitution would be helped out. Exclusive of debt and all such wealth being used in the fulfillment of Hajat-e-Asliyyah (bare necessities of life), the conditions for a person to be entitled to Zakah include the following.
- He must not possess 7.5 Tolas of gold (approx nisab by gold) or the equivalent value of 52.5 Tolas of silver (nisab by silver).
- If the total value of his wealth (counting cash, prize bonds, trade stock, etc.) reaches or exceeds nisab, he is not entitled to take zakah.
- Zakah cannot be given to direct ascendants/descendants and spouses (e.g., mother, father, children, grandchildren, husband, wife).
- If a person is not himself entitled but his adult children or wife are, zakah may be given to them.
HOW TO CALCULATE ZAKAH?
Enter your assets and liabilities below. The calculator will total and compute 2.5% zakah instantly.
0 Comments