💰 Zakat & Zakat al-Fitr

📖 What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligatory act of worship. It becomes compulsory upon every adult Muslim who owns wealth equal to or above the Nisab for one complete lunar year.

The word “Zakat” means purification and growth. It purifies wealth from greed and increases barakah.

📖 Zakat in the Qur’an

Allah says: “Establish prayer and give Zakat.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)

Zakat is repeatedly mentioned alongside Salah, highlighting its immense importance.

⚖ Conditions for Zakat (Hanafi)

• Must be Muslim
• Adult and sane
• Must own Nisab amount
• Nisab must remain at beginning and end of lunar year
• Wealth must be fully owned and accessible

🧮 Nisab Threshold

According to Hanafi fiqh, Nisab equals:

• 612.36 grams of silver (preferred standard), OR
• 87.48 grams of gold

In Hanafi practice, the silver standard is generally used because it benefits more poor people.

Zakat rate is 2.5% (1/40th) of total qualifying wealth.

💼 Wealth Subject to Zakat

• Cash in hand or bank
• Gold and silver
• Business inventory
• Investments and trade goods
• Savings

🏠 Wealth NOT Subject to Zakat

• Personal home
• Personal car
• Clothing
• Household items
• Personal-use furniture

👥 Eligible Recipients of Zakat

As mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60):

• The poor (Fuqara)
• The needy (Masakeen)
• Those in debt
• Wayfarers
• Other categories mentioned in Qur’an

🚫 Who Cannot Receive Zakat

• Parents and grandparents
• Children and grandchildren
• Husband or wife
• Wealthy individuals
• Descendants of Banu Hashim (according to Hanafi fiqh)

🌙 What is Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is wajib upon every Muslim who owns Nisab at the time of Fajr on Eid day.

It purifies the fasting person from minor shortcomings and allows the poor to participate in Eid celebrations.

💵 Amount of Zakat al-Fitr (Hanafi)

• Approximately 1.75–2 kg of wheat (or its value), OR
• 3.5–4 kg of dates, barley, or raisins

According to Hanafi fiqh, paying the monetary equivalent is permissible.

⏰ Timing of Fitrah

• Becomes wajib at Fajr on Eid day
• Should be given before Eid prayer
• Delaying without excuse is sinful, but obligation remains

💎 Spiritual Wisdom of Zakat & Fitrah

Zakat removes selfishness and builds social justice. It strengthens bonds between rich and poor.

Fitrah ensures that no Muslim is left hungry on Eid. It completes the spiritual journey of Ramadan.

✨ Final Reflection

Zakat is not merely financial charity — it is a divine system of purification, mercy, and economic balance.

May Allah accept our charity, purify our wealth, and make us among those who give sincerely. Ameen.