Pillar 3 · Zakat

Zakat in Islam: Rules & Calculation

A simple, transparent guide to obligatory charity, Nisab thresholds, and an interactive 2.5% Zakat calculator.

And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow in worship and obedience.

The Holy Quran · Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43

What Is Zakat?

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is a mandatory annual payment of a fixed 2.5% portion of a Muslim’s qualifying wealth. The funds are distributed directly to specific categories of people in need, such as the poor, the indebted, and stranded travelers.

The word \"Zakat\" literally translates to purification, growth, and blessing. By giving Zakat, a Muslim purifies their wealth from greed, cleanses their heart, and helps uplift the community.

Is Zakat obligatory on you? Zakat is only mandatory on adult Muslims whose personal wealth meets or exceeds a minimum threshold called the Nisab, and who have held that wealth for a full lunar year (Hawl).

What Is Nisab & How Is It Calculated?

The Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth that makes Zakat obligatory. It was set by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ based on the values of Gold and Silver:

To find the Nisab value in your local currency, multiply the current market price of 1 gram of gold or silver by the grams above. (Most scholars recommend using the silver threshold for charity, as it allows more people to participate in giving and benefits more poor families).

Real-Time Zakat Calculator

Estimate your annual Zakat below. Enter the values of your assets in your local currency (e.g. $, £, €, or AED). The calculator will automatically calculate 2.5% of your qualifying wealth.

🧮 Estimate Your Zakat (2.5%)

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Estimated Zakat due (2.5% of total qualifying wealth). Zakat is only due if your total assets exceed the Nisab threshold in your country.

Who Can Receive Zakat?

The Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60) strictly defines eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat:

  1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those with zero or very minimal income.
  2. The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those who cannot meet their daily basic necessities.
  3. Zakat Administrators: Those employed to collect and distribute Zakat funds.
  4. Reconciling Hearts: New Muslims and friends of the community who need support.
  5. Freeing Captives: Historically used to liberate slaves, now used to free people from trafficking or wrongful captivity.
  6. Those in Debt: People struggling under heavy, essential debts they cannot pay.
  7. In the Cause of Allah: Funding authentic Islamic education, community work, and mosques.
  8. Stranded Travelers: Anyone stranded away from home without access to funds.

Have Questions About Wealth or Giving?

If you have specific questions about business shares, debts, or how to distribute your Zakat, speak with a qualified advisor in our community.