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Zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam, serving as a mandatory form of charity and wealth purification. But what is Zakat exactly? According to Islamic teachings, Zakat is a specified portion of one’s wealth that is donated annually to assist those in need. The Zakat definition centres on promoting social welfare and economic balance within the community. Generally, the Zakat percentage is set at 2.5% of a person's accumulated wealth, provided it exceeds the Nisab threshold, a minimum amount that qualifies one to pay Zakat.

Orphans in Need has put together a guide to address fundamental questions around giving Zakat in Islam, such as what is Zakat in Islam and who must donate Zakat, while also detailing the recipients who are eligible to receive Zakat. For personalised guidance, it is advised to consult with your local imam or scholar.

Who Is Eligible to Pay Zakat

To qualify for making a payment of Zakat in Islam, you must fulfil each of the criteria below:

  • Have a personal wealth that meets/exceeds the Nisab threshold
  • Not in captivity
  • Be of the Muslim faith
  • Of sound mind
  • Be an adult.

Essentially, adults who are of the Muslim faith, in good mental health, and with wealth above the threshold are obligated to donate Zakat.

Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat

Not only does Islam specify who must pay Zakat, but it also outlines who can receive it. Eligible Zakat recipients include:

  • The poor (Fakir)
  • The hungry (Miskin)
  • Administrators of Zakat (Amil)
  • Those in captivity or slavery (Riqab)
  • Those burdened with debt (Gharmin)
  • Those fighting in the path of Allah (SWT) (Fisabilillah)
  • Travellers facing hardships (Ibnus Sabil)
  • New Muslims and friends of the Muslim community (Muallaf).

Orphans in Need directs your Zakat donations to these deserving individuals and communities, particularly vulnerable orphans who require assistance for a safe, nurturing childhood.

When is Zakat Due

Zakat is a payment that must be made annually, once your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold and has been held for a full Islamic year. The due date often aligns with Ramadan, a time when many Muslims choose to donate Zakat for added blessings. However, the Zakat percentage remains the same regardless of timing.

How Much is Zakat

Zakat is not a one-size-fits-all amount. It is a payment to ensure nobody gives more than they can afford. Instead, it is calculated as 2.5% of your total assets above the Nisab. This includes:

  • Cash in bank accounts or at home
  • Savings earmarked for specific purposes
  • Held gold, silver, and stocks
  • Business stocks, shares, and outstanding owed money
  • Saved rental income.

You must bear in mind that you must have held this wealth above the Nisab threshold for a full lunar year.

Short-term liabilities, such as monthly bills, personal loans, and rent or mortgage for the Zakat month, can be subtracted from your asset total. Additionally, items considered necessary for living, like your primary home or vehicle, are excluded from your Zakat calculation.

For farmers and owners of precious resources, there are different Zakat rates:

  • 5% for assets irrigated by the owner
  • 10% for assets irrigated naturally by rainfall
  • 20% on annual precious resources like gold, silver, and oil from one’s land.

To make paying Zakat donations easier, Orphans in Need provides a simple Zakat Calculator. Follow the link below to calculate your Zakat donation for this year and help support those in need. Donate and pay Zakat online with Orphans in Need.

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What is the Difference Between Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory donation that must be made by every Muslim before they stand for their Eid prayer. It is a donation of money or food to help feed someone who can’t afford a meal on this celebratory day.

Zakat al-Fitr 2027 needs to be paid before the Eid prayer.

Pay Zakat al-Fitr through Orphans in Need and be assured that your donation will be sent to the right recipient in time for Eid. Orphans in Need will take your Zakat al-Fitr as a cash donation, and our teams on the ground will distribute the food to those who need it most.

It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer. [Ibn Majah]

Donate Zakat al-Fitr with Orphans in Need today and provide a person in need with a nutritious meal this Eid al-Fitr.

Common Zakat FAQs

Zakat is only due when your wealth, which exceeds the Nisab threshold, has been held for a full Hawl (Islamic year). If your held assets or wealth fall below the Nisab threshold, traditionally, the Hawl period begins again once your wealth exceeds the Nisab limit. However, this differs between groups.

Zakat is calculated on the personal wealth amount held once the end of the Islamic year has been reached, although many communities choose to pay their Zakat during Ramadan when the anticipated rewards are greater.

Your held wealth and assets can fluctuate during the Hawl but should not fall below the Nisab threshold. It does not matter how much your wealth increases or decreases during the year. The Zakat is calculated on the held wealth at the end of the Islamic year. This is to maintain financial security and ensure that no one is forced to pay Zakat on money which they no longer have and, in turn, put their financial stability at risk.

Some communities consider held wealth at the beginning and the end of the Hawl as the only definitive value, so talk to your local scholar for further information on paying your Zakat if your held wealth fell below the Nisab value temporarily this year.

Can I Pay My Zakat in Instalments?

It is acceptable to pay Zakat in instalments. However, Orphans in Need accepts Zakat as a single transaction. Paying Zakat in instalments is permitted but only with valid reasoning. Therefore, if you have the means to donate a Zakat payment in a single transaction as quickly as possible, it should be completed this way. Despite this, if an individual cannot afford to pay in a lump sum, paying over a prolonged period of time is acceptable.

Do I Pay Zakat on my Children’s Wealth?
There are two schools of thought with differing opinions on paying Zakat on your children’s wealth. One states that only Muslims who have gone through puberty are expected to pay Zakat; however, some communities do expect Zakat when a child’s wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold. Note that there are further rules to this, with some stating that a specific number of months must have passed after puberty for them to become Zakat-eligible. You should speak to your local scholar to confirm exactly what your next step should be.
Can I Pay Zakat as a Couple?
Zakat is a personal obligation and must be calculated on individual wealth. However, with your spouse’s permission, your combined Zakat can be paid in a single transaction.
I Have Not Held My Wealth for a Full Hawl, Do I Pay Zakat?
The rules of Zakat state that you must pay Zakat when your held wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold at the start and end of the Zakat year. You can pay Zakat in advance but must take into consideration any responsibilities or liabilities that could affect your quality of life.
During the Zakat Year, My Wealth Fell Below the Nisab Threshold. Do I Still Pay Zakat?
Officially, your wealth should remain above the threshold limit throughout the year for Zakat to be due. However, there are schools of thought that believe your wealth should only be above the Nisab threshold at the beginning of the Zakat year (when your wealth first exceeded the Nisab threshold) and at the end of the Zakat year when payment is due. Again, we advise that you speak to your local Imam or scholar to have this clarified further.
I Have Received a Large Sum of Money Before My Zakat is Due. Do I Pay Zakat on This?
Yes, any held wealth in the Zakat year is Zakatable.
I Give Lots of Charity Throughout the Year. Do I Still Need to Pay Zakat?
Yes, your Zakat is still due, as it is the intention of paying Zakat which makes it count. The purpose of Zakat is not only to help those in need but to purify one’s wealth. The intent and desire to contribute is what acts as a catalyst for this purification.
I Haven’t Paid Zakat for Several Years. How Do I Pay What is Owed?
You should calculate the amount of Zakat due at the end of each Zakat year to the best of your ability and make a payment that incorporates this year’s Zakat amount as well as any previous years or outstanding payments. This can be a lengthy process made easier through good bookkeeping. It’s advised to give yourself plenty of time to calculate your Zakat totals if you are in this situation.
How Are Those Eligible to Receive Zakat Defined?
Orphans in Need distributes your Zakat to the poor and needy. The poor are those who do not hold wealth greater than the Nisab threshold, and the needy are defined as anyone living in extreme poverty and who doesn’t have enough food to last a day. Through these guidelines, we can utilise your contributions to change the lives of those who are not only eligible to receive Zakat but need your support the most.
Can Zakat be Paid to a Family Member?
Zakat cannot be paid to any family member who is already dependent on you, such as your children. Parents and children should never pay Zakat to each other; however, if another relative is poor or needy, they can be given your Zakat contribution. Additionally, there are schools of thought which believe that a husband cannot pay Zakat to his wife, but a wife can pay Zakat to her husband. Again, consult your local scholar for clarification on this.
When Does the Zakat Year Begin?
The Zakat year does not have a fixed date and begins once your wealth has exceeded the Nisab threshold. The Zakat year is a full lunar year since reaching the minimum held wealth required to pay Zakat. Many choose to pay their Zakat during Ramadan, both for the greater rewards offered and to ensure they complete their payment every year without forgetting.
Should I use the Gold or Silver Nisab Threshold to Calculate My Zakat?
Different schools of thought suggest using one over the other, and you should talk to your local scholar or imam to clarify. Using the silver Nisab threshold value will provide a greater Zakat donation, allowing us to help more individuals in need and living in poverty.
I Have Been Saving for Hajj. Do I Pay Zakat on This?
Yes, any savings for Hajj or other causes should be included in your Zakat calculation.
Do I Calculate Zakat on my Pension Fund?
Zakat is only paid on held wealth, also known as liquid assets. If you are currently paying into your pension fund but this is not held in a personal bank account that you have free access to, then it is not required to calculate Zakat.
What is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)?
Zakat al-Fitr is not the same as Zakat. Also known as Fitrana, Zakat al-Fitr is the contribution made on the festival of Eid al-Fitr before morning prayers. Fitrana contributions equate to one saa’ of food per person, which is four times the amount of staple food (flour or rice) that can be held in two cupped hands (measured as one maad). Fitrana is normally given as a food donation; however, for convenience, Orphans in Need will use your monetary donation and distribute food to eligible individuals in need for you.

How to Donate Zakat?

Orphans in Need are an official Zakat charity and will give Zakat donations to those in need on your behalf. Visit our Zakat calculator to work out how much you need to donate and pay Zakat online today.