Why do we pay Zakat?

Zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam. To underscore its importance, Zakat is always mentioned in the Qur’an with Salat.

Allah says (what means),

‘But if they repent, establish Prayer, and give Zakat, then they are your brothers in faith…’Q.9/11

“My mercy encompasses all things. So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give Zakat, and those who believe in Our revelations.” Q. 9/156

“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” Q9/103

Zakat engenders purity of the mind and security in the land. It’s a source of happiness and a shield against Hellfire.

When am I eligible to pay Zakat?

2.5% is payable from your savings on which a year has passed and has reached Nisab (minimum threshold for Zakat)

Nisab on money is determined by the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. (Islamic Fiqh Council and many contemporary Shari’a experts recommend the lower of the two at any time, which is silver now).
Please confirm the naira equivalent of 595 grams of silver. You can do it on google or local markets.That is the minimum amount from which Zakat is payable.

*Zakat is payable from rents and incomes as received when they reach Nisab.

Allah says, ‘O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth…’ Q2/267.

*A merchant calculates the value of his inventory and profits in hand annually. Zakat is payable from the net total after deducting liabilities from the business. A month is picked for this.

*Zakat is payable from professional fees and wages of freelance workers if they reach Nisab.

*10% is required as Zakat from agricultural produces that reach Nisab of 612kg. Only 5% is required if it was grown by artificial irrigation.

Allah says,

‘Eat of its fruit when it yields and give its due [Zakat] on the day of its harvest…’ Q6/141.

*Zakat is not payable from personal property and items of personal use. It’s payable from commercial property. Zakat is payable from gold jewellery kept for its value if it attains Nisab of gold.

Who do I give my Zakat?

Allah says,

إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

‘The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.’ Q9/60.

Muslim relations, neighbors and friends who fall among the rightful beneficiaries should be given priority. Zakat can be disbursed by the giver and can be paid into the Zakat funds of trusted Islamic organizations.

What is the purpose of Zakat?

Zakat is generally meant for empowerment, poverty alleviation, and propagation of Islam. It can be disbursed to buy equipments for work, start a business, sponsor orphans and widows, pay debts on basic needs (such as food, clothing, house rent, school fees and hospital bills), pay islamic teachers and Imams who have no other means, etc.

Is Zakat optional?

Allah says,

“And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allah has bestowed on them of His Bounty (Wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they do not pay the obligatory Zakat). Nay, it will be worse for them; the things which they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Well-Acquainted with all that you do.” Q.3/180.

Allah says,

“What has brought you into hell?

They shall say: We were not of those who prayed;

And we used not to feed the poor;” Q74/42-44

Is this different from Zakatul Fitr?

Zakat on wealth is different from Zakatul Fitr. Zakatul Fitr is the 4 Mudd of staple food or its equivalent in cash levied on every capable Muslim and his household at the end of Ramadan. It’s meant to purify Ramadan fast and support the poor and needy on the Eid day.

Why pay your Zakat through Yusraa Charitable Foundation?

1. We are accountable
2. We do ensure due diligence before disbursement
3. Our Ttustees and executive council members are fully involved in all disbursement la from external contributors of Zakat
4. Finally, we fear Allah too much to divert funds that will hang around our necks on judgement day

Write up credit: Imam Ridwan Jamiu (Chief Imam LEMU)