What is Zakat?
Zakat is an obligatory charity, and one of the five pillars of Islam.
The literal meaning of Zakat is “to cleanse” and “to grow” and is a way for Muslims to purify and bring blessings on to their wealth.
“And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is AllSeer of what you do” (Quran 2:110)
Need to Calculate your Zakat? Use our Zakat Calculator.
Who must pay Zakat?
Zakat must be paid by every sane, adult Muslim, who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as nisab – they must pay 2.5% of that wealth as zakat.
Who should I pay my Zakat to?
Zakat is reserved for individuals or groups who fall into one or more of eight categories designated by God in the Quran, chapter 9, verse 6.
Indeed, [prescribed] charitable offerings are only [to be given] to the poor and the indigent, and to those who work on [administering] it, and to those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to [free] those in bondage, and to the debt-ridden, and for the cause of God, and to the wayfarer. [This is] an obligation from God. And God is all-knowing, all-wise.
According to this, Zakat eligible recipients are:
- The poor (al-fuqarâ’), meaning low-income or indigent.
- The needy (al-masâkîn), meaning someone who is in difficulty.
- Zakat administrators.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, meaning new Muslims, friends of the Muslim community, and those who can be positively impacted by muslim generosity.
- Those in bondage (slaves and captives).
- The debt-ridden.
- In the cause of God.
- The wayfarer, meaning those who are stranded or traveling with few resources.
Can I give my Zakat to an organization like Humaniti?
Yes! Humaniti accepts Zakat donations. The Quran makes it possible for Muslims to pay their zakat to trusted institutions that distribute it to those who belong to one or more of the zakat-worthy categories.
At Humaniti, we track Zakat donations separately from all other funds, and only use them for Zakat eligible projects.
Humaniti ensures that 100% of your Zakat is given to Zakat eligible recipients across these program areas:
Food Aid
Clean Water
Shelter
Medical Aid
Why should I trust Humaniti with my Zakat?
Humaniti’s Zakat policy is approved by the following scholar (our Zakat advisor):
Mufti Yūsuf Badāt of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto.
Humaniti has a track record of collecting and distributing Zakat. In 2023 our donors entrusted us with their Zakat donations, totalling $1,000,000 USD+. These funds were fully allocated to Zakat eligible recipients across the globe.
We would be pleased to share our Zakat distribution report, upon your request.
What is the difference between Zakat Al Maal and Zakat Al Fitr?
Zakat Al Maal is the annual charity paid on 2.5% of your net wealth if you are an adult Muslim with the minimum Nisab.
Zakat Al-Fitr is obligated during the month of Ramadan prior to Eid Al-Fitr prayers in the amount of at least approximately $10 US dollars for oneself and one’s dependants.
I have a question about Zakat. Who can I contact?
You are more than welcome to drop us an email at [email protected]. One of our Zakat advisors will reply back within 3 business days.
Zakat Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about zakat:
Q: What is the rate of zakat?
A: The rate of zakat is 2.5% of one’s total wealth, including savings, investments, and business assets.
Q: What is the purpose of zakat?
A: The purpose of zakat is to help those in need, promote social justice, and purify one’s wealth. It is also considered a religious duty and a means of seeking Allah’s blessings and avoiding punishment.
