zakat

Glossaries

Term	Definition
zakat	Zakat is the obligatory almsgiving in Islam, considered both a purification of wealth and a social responsibility. Zakat (or zakâh) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. It refers to a mandatory charitable contribution required from Muslims who possess wealth above a minimum threshold known as nisab. The standard zakat rate is 2.5% of net annual savings and assets such as money, gold, and business inventory. Personal items used in daily life are exempt. The Qur’an (Surah 9:60) identifies eight categories of eligible recipients: the poor, the needy, zakat collectors, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, people in bondage, the indebted, those striving in God’s cause, and stranded travelers. Historically collected by Islamic authorities, zakat is today often distributed through charitable organizations or directly by individuals. It differs from sadaqah, which is voluntary giving. Beyond its economic function, zakat plays a spiritual and ethical role: it purifies wealth, combats greed, promotes communal solidarity, and serves as a reminder that material possessions are entrusted by God.

Term

Definition

Zakat is the obligatory almsgiving in Islam, considered both a purification of wealth and a social responsibility.

Zakat (or zakâh) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. It refers to a mandatory charitable contribution required from Muslims who possess wealth above a minimum threshold known as nisab.

The standard zakat rate is 2.5% of net annual savings and assets such as money, gold, and business inventory. Personal items used in daily life are exempt. The Qur’an (Surah 9:60) identifies eight categories of eligible recipients: the poor, the needy, zakat collectors, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, people in bondage, the indebted, those striving in God’s cause, and stranded travelers.

Historically collected by Islamic authorities, zakat is today often distributed through charitable organizations or directly by individuals. It differs from sadaqah, which is voluntary giving.

Beyond its economic function, zakat plays a spiritual and ethical role: it purifies wealth, combats greed, promotes communal solidarity, and serves as a reminder that material possessions are entrusted by God.