Zakat: The Foundation of Compassion & Community Support
Embark on a journey of understanding Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, which encapsulates the essence of communal support and individual growth. It’s not just an act of charity; it’s a duty towards humanity and a step towards purifying your wealth.
The Essence of Zakat
Zakat is not merely a charitable gesture; it’s a foundational pillar of Islam, mandated for every financially stable Muslim. This obligatory act of giving a fixed proportion of one’s wealth to the needy not only purifies the giver’s wealth but also aligns with the divine directive to support the socio-economic welfare of the community. Zakat embodies the principles of compassion, shared prosperity, and social responsibility, aiming to diminish financial disparities and foster an environment where generosity and care for one another are paramount.
Zakat's Impact
The influence of Zakat extends far beyond immediate financial assistance. Its structured approach to charity contributes to a holistic economic system where wealth circulation benefits the entire society, mitigating poverty and fostering opportunities for growth and stability. Zakat empowers recipients, giving them the means to improve their living conditions, pursue education, and embark on livelihood projects. The act of giving Zakat is a profound testament to the Islamic values of empathy, equality, and collective prosperity, illustrating how faith and action can unite to create a more equitable world.
Zakat
Pathway to Purity
Zakat holds a profound significance for Muslims, acting as a unique form of worship and a means of achieving social justice. It represents not just a duty but an opportunity for Muslims to purify their wealth, distribute it among those in need, and reduce inequality within the community.
Zakat is an obligatory form of giving, mandated by the Quran, that requires every financially stable Muslim to contribute a specific portion of their wealth to charitable causes each year. The term “Zakat” itself originates from the Arabic root word ‘Z-K-A’, which means to purify, increase, or bless. Thus, Zakat is seen as a way to cleanse one’s wealth and soul from greed and selfishness, encouraging a spirit of empathy and communal support.
The Islamic law sets the Nisab (minimum amount of wealth) that one must hold before being liable to pay Zakat. This threshold ensures that the financial duty falls only upon those who can afford it, sparing those with less means from the obligation. Typically, Zakat is set at 2.5% of one’s surplus wealth and assets held over a lunar year, encompassing cash, gold, silver, business merchandise, and other valuables.
Zakat serves multiple purposes: it is a form of worship, a method of cleansing one’s wealth, and a way of supporting the less fortunate. By redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor, Zakat plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequality. It embodies the Islamic principles of brotherhood, solidarity, and equality, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the community.
Moreover, Zakat is believed to bring spiritual benefits to the giver, cleansing their soul of greed and fostering a deeper connection with God. It is a practical demonstration of faith, showing trust in God’s provisions and gratitude for His blessings by supporting those in need.
The impact of Zakat extends beyond individual purification and spiritual growth; it has significant social implications. By providing your Zakat to United Muslims, we help the needy with essential resources. Zakat also helps alleviate poverty, improve living conditions, and enhance community welfare. It can fund educational programs, healthcare services, infrastructure development, and emergency relief efforts, contributing to the overall development and stability of society.
Zakat funds are distributed among eight categories of beneficiaries mentioned in the Quran, including the poor, the needy, those employed to collect Zakat, new converts to Islam, slaves seeking freedom, debtors, those fighting for a just cause, and travellers in need. This comprehensive approach ensures that various segments of society receive support and care.
Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, pay their zakat, and fear none (but for Allah) will visit and preserve Allah’s mosques.
Giving Zakat to United Muslims or other charities is not only a religious obligation but also a way to contribute positively to society. It promotes a cycle of kindness and generosity, reinforcing the bonds of community and humanity.
To address this, United Muslims Zakat Foundation has dedicated itself to assisting Muslims in fulfilling their zakat duties accurately and conveniently. We offer a variety of resources, covering a wide range of financial topics, to guide in the proper calculation and payment of zakat. We have also compiled a series of questions and answers to clarify various aspects of zakat, underscoring its significance as not only one of the five pillars of Islam but also an act of worship symbolising ‘purification.’ Donate your Zakat through us and be a catalyst for positive change. With the assurance that every penny of your Zakat contribution is dedicated to aiding those in dire need, you can find peace and fulfilment in your faith.
Support United Muslims: Give your Zakat to us with 100% of your donations directly funding our initiatives.
Since its founding, United Muslims has ensured every donation goes to its projects, covering any credit card fees. For example, if a £100 donation drops to £97 due to fees, the organization adds £3. This strict separation of project and operational funds ensures full public donation utilisation.
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Managing Your Zakat Contributions
A significant portion of our activities at United Muslims qualifies for Zakat. Beyond providing essential food and water to the needy, we engage in sustainable projects across the globe. These initiatives encompass healthcare services, educational opportunities, livelihood assistance and mental health services, all aimed at uplifting some of the world’s most impoverished communities.
Palestine Emergency
More than 33,000 lives lost and 1.7 million crammed into a space equivalent to one-quarter the size of London, lacking food, water, and basic healthcare. Donate for Palestine and support our team in delivering food, water, medical assistance and other essential winter kits to families who have been displaced.
Afghanistan Emergency
Severe drought, economic downturn, and escalating global food costs have driven millions in Afghanistan to the edge of starvation. Lives are in jeopardy, particularly as children suffer and perish from malnutrition. Your support is crucial to aid civilians, who have endured more than five decades of strife.
Syria Emergency
Join us in aiding the world's most extensive population of forcibly displaced individuals, where 90% live in poverty. Many lack access to essential necessities like food, shelter, or even soap. We urge you to contribute and provide crucial assistance, with your donation having the power to transform lives.
Clean Water
Providing wells, pumps, and pipes to communities in need. The lack of clean water is one of the most critical health emergencies affecting Muslim communities globally. Become a monthly donor and embark on a transformative journey to make a significant difference.
Sponsor a Child
Every child should have an ideal beginning: a nurturing environment, a secure space to play, and opportunities for education and healthcare. With immense rewards promised to Muslims who sponsor children/orphans in need. Be the change with United Muslims children response appeal.
Education
Literacy, Numeracy & Health Classes. Millions of children trapped in poverty miss out on education, perpetuating a cycle of limited income opportunities. Breaking this cycle through basic education unlocks numerous life opportunities. At United Muslims, we are the charity for education.
Winterisation
Harsh winters with snow, cold winds, heavy rains, and freezing temperatures make life difficult. United Muslims' winter campaign aids families globally, including refugees and homeless, during these tough months. This initiative provides essential warmth and shelter, ensuring safety and comfort.
Helping UK
We believe in the principle of charity beginning at home. We're committed to aiding UK families with necessary resources for success. We confront daily challenges like poverty. With the current surges in inflation escalating food and petrol prices, further straining families in poverty, intensifying their hardship.
Mindful Ummah Helpline
Embrace a journey of spiritual healing and communal solidarity. Discover compassionate counselling tailored to your unique challenges and cultural context. Support us in advancing Islam, tackling poverty and financial hardship and promoting social inclusion. Together, we can make the world a better place.
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Questions? Ask!
We at United Muslims are expert in calculating Zakat for entrepreneurs & others who need help in understanding their Zakat obligations and ensuring that your charitable giving is both Sharia-compliant and tailored to the unique financial situations of your business. Fill in the form below and we will be in touch!
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Zakat FAQS
What is Zakat?
Zakat, a mandatory annual contribution, is required from adult Muslims whose wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for an entire Islamic (lunar) year. This act of giving is a means to seek Allah’s (SWT) favour. The funds collected are utilised to assist the neediest, both locally and globally.
Who is eligible for Zakat?
Zakat donations have specific eligibility criteria; they cannot be indiscriminately given to anyone. For instance, a husband cannot allocate his Zakat to his wife or children, as he already bears financial responsibility for them. Conversely, a wife may give Zakat to her husband if he fulfils the necessary criteria, ensuring that she derives no direct benefit from this contribution, such as the husband using it to buy her a gift.
Recipients of Zakat fall into one of the following eight categories:
- The impoverished.
- The destitute.
- Zakat administrators, like United Muslims.
- Those seeking to reconcile hearts.
- Individuals in bondage or captivity.
- Those burdened with debt.
- Causes in the path of Allah.
- Travellers in need.
Zakat is not a universal obligation for all Muslims, as outlined in the Qur’an. Eligibility for paying Zakat requires one to be above the age of puberty, a practicing Muslim, of sound mind, not enslaved, and in possession of a wealth surplus that exceeds the Nisab threshold.
United Muslims is committed to ensuring that Zakat contributions are used for critical responses in emergencies within Muslim-majority communities and for specific development projects in these areas. Consequently, your Zakat can aid in providing emergency sustenance, refuge for displaced individuals, vocational training, medical assistance, and much more.
What is Nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess to be obliged to pay Zakat. This threshold is based on the value of either gold or silver:
Gold: The value equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold.
Silver: The value equivalent to 612.36 grams of silver.
Since gold and silver prices fluctuate, the Nisab threshold varies accordingly. This variability makes tools like our Zakat calculator extremely useful, as they assist Muslims in determining not only their eligibility to pay Zakat but also the amount due. A Muslim’s wealth must surpass the Nisab limit for a complete Islamic year, or ‘Hawl’, which spans 354 days.
If your wealth falls below the Nisab threshold at any point during the Islamic year but remains above it at both the beginning and end of the Hawl, it’s advisable to consult your local imam for guidance.
When should I pay Zakat?
Your obligation to pay Zakat arises when your wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for an entire Islamic year, starting from the time your wealth initially exceeded this limit. The amount of Zakat due should be computed on the day you make your payment. Therefore, your Zakat is based on your current wealth status at the time of payment, regardless of any fluctuations in your wealth throughout the year.
The month of Ramadan is a favoured period for many Muslims to fulfil their Zakat, as donations during this sacred month are believed to bring increased blessings and rewards. However, you are free to pay Zakat at any point in the year, provided your wealth has been above the Nisab threshold for a complete lunar year. It’s important to differentiate this from Zakat al Fitr, or Fitrana, which is a separate obligatory charity that must be paid before the Eid prayers during Ramadan.
How much Zakat do I need to pay?
Your Zakat liability is determined by the following rates:
2.5% on personal wealth and yearly savings.
5% on the assets of a farmer who has paid for crop irrigation.
10% on the assets of a farmer whose crops have been naturally irrigated by rainfall.
20% on valuable resources found on one’s property, like gold, silver, and oil.
What assets should be considered for Zakat calculation?
Your Zakat obligation is based on your accumulated wealth, encompassing personal assets and liquid funds. Zakat is due on assets that are not essential for your daily living. For example, your primary residence is exempt, but a secondary property that you don’t live in should be counted in your Zakat calculation. Similarly, while your primary vehicle is considered a necessity and exempt, a second car, deemed a luxury, should be included.
Assets to consider for Zakat calculation include:
- Cash, whether kept at home, in banks, or in savings accounts.
- Savings set aside for specific purposes (like Hajj, property deposits, weddings, etc.).
- The current value of any gold and silver you own.
- Stocks and shares in your possession.
- Revenue from rental properties (like a second home).
- The value of debts owed to you that you expect to be repaid (e.g., money lent to friends or relatives).
When calculating Zakat, do not take into account:
- Payments scheduled for the month in which you are paying Zakat.
- Debts you owe, such as mortgage/rent payments, credit card debts, and personal loans.
- Possessions like household appliances and clothing.
- Business-related expenses, including bills, salaries, rents, and rates.
- Business loans and overdrafts.
Is it permissible to settle Zakat in instalments?
You have the option to fulfil your Zakat obligation through instalment payments, although it is preferable to make a single lump-sum contribution. If you are confident that your wealth will remain consistent, you can choose to pay in advance of the due date.
How is Zakat-Ul-Fitr (Fitrana) different to Zakat?
Zakat al Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is a distinct contribution separate from Zakat. It is exclusively observed during the sacred month of Ramadan, prior to the commencement of Eid. Traditionally, Fitrana is presented in the form of food, but United Muslims also welcomes monetary contributions, valued at £4 per person in the UK. These funds are directed towards providing essential food assistance to those in dire need.
How do you calculate your Zakat?
To effortlessly determine your Zakat charity amount, kindly utilize our Zakat Calculator available on our website.
How to donate your Zakat?
After calculating your Zakat or knowing your owed amount, you have the option to make your donation through United Muslims. Your contribution will bolster our humanitarian efforts, making a significant impact on the lives of thousands living in poverty worldwide.
Do you pay Zakat on property?
Residential property used for personal purposes is excluded from Zakat obligations. Zakat does not pertain to a primary residence where you reside with your family.
Is it permissible to donate Zakat to charitable organisations?
You can authorise a charitable organisation to distribute your Zakat to deserving recipients on your behalf, and it is permissible to do so.
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