Rules of Zakat – Golden Article

Definition of Zakat and Explanation of Its Obligation

Zakat is linguistically defined as blessing, purity, and growth. It derives from the Arabic verb زَكَا, which means to increase or grow. In a technical sense, zakat consists of a specific amount of particular wealth that must be given at designated times to specified categories of recipients. It is termed ‘zakat’ because it increases the wealth of the giver and purifies the soul of the one who pays it. This is supported by the verse from the Qur’an: (Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase). Zakat is considered an obligatory duty (farḍ ʿayn) for anyone who meets the specified conditions for its eligibility. Its obligation is affirmed in numerous texts from the Qur’an and Hadith, as seen in the verse: (And establish prayer and give zakat).

Allah mandated zakat at the beginning of Islam, prior to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) migration to Medina, specifically in Mecca. Initially, there was no specification regarding the type of wealth obligated to provide zakat, its amount, or the time for its payment; it was a general command left to the generosity of Muslims and their sense of responsibility toward others in need, as mentioned in the verse: (And those within their wealth is a known right for the beggar and the deprived). In the second year of the Hijra, once faith had firmly established itself in the hearts of believers, Allah detailed the laws of zakat, including the types of wealth that require zakat, as well as the amounts, timings, and related regulations. By the ninth year of Hijra, the Prophet (peace be upon him) began appointing collectors to gather and distribute zakat to its rightful recipients.

The Wisdom Behind the Legislation of Zakat

Allah has made zakat compulsory to meet the needs of Muslims, support Islam, and strengthen its community. It is not distributed to non-Muslims, except to those whose hearts need to be softened towards Islam. Additionally, it should only be given to those who use it as assistance in obeying Allah, as stated in the Qur’an: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment).

Conditions for the Obligation of Zakat

For zakat to be obligatory, several conditions must be fulfilled as follows:

Islam: Zakat is not obligatory on non-Muslims, although the Shafi’i school requires it from the wealth of an apostate before they return to Islam.
Freedom: Zakat is not obligatory on a slave, as agreed upon by scholars, while the majority maintain that it is obligatory on the master. The Maliki view suggests zakat is neither obligatory on the slave nor on the master.
Puberty and Sanity: This condition is recognized only under the Hanafi school, while the majority holds that zakat is due from both minors and the insane, to be paid by their guardians from their wealth.
Growth: The wealth must be productive or capable of growth, such as gold and silver. The Hanafi school also includes pasturing livestock as they grow through reproduction.
Reaching the Nisab: This varies according to the type of wealth, which will be clarified in subsequent sections of this article.
Full Ownership: The wealth must be entirely owned by the Muslim, with the ability to dispose of it.
Passage of a Lunar Year: A full lunar year must pass while the wealth remains in the owner’s possession, except for crops and fruits. The Hanafi school requires that the nisab be reached at both the beginning and end of the year, while the Maliki school only applies this condition to non-mineral wealth, agricultural produce, and livestock. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools maintain that it must reach the nisab throughout the entire year.
Freedom from Debt: The Hanafi school requires this condition for non-harvestable types of wealth, while Hanbalis require it for all wealth. The Maliki view mandates it only for wealth not related to crops, livestock, or minerals, meanwhile, the Shafi’i school does not impose this condition.
Surplus over Basic Needs: This includes what is necessary for sustaining life, such as food, clothing, and other essentials.

Distribution of Zakat

Zakat can only be given to eight specified categories, as outlined by Allah in the verse: (Indeed, zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [the funds] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the traveler [in need]. This is an obligation [imposed] by Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Wise). Here is a breakdown of each category:

The Poor and the Needy: The poor are those who possess no wealth or income and lack resources from their kin to meet their basic expenses, such as clothing and housing. The needy are those unable to earn enough to cover all their necessities. The distinction is that the poor are generally in more severe need than the needy.
Those Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled: This category includes both Muslims and non-Muslims who may be given zakat to soften their hearts toward Islam. For a non-Muslim, this could be to gain his goodwill or to dispel potential conflict. Examples are found in the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) earlier distribution of zakat to certain non-Muslims before their conversion. On the other hand, Muslims in this category are given zakat to strengthen their faith or to assist them in defending the Muslim community.
Freeing Slaves: This category refers to those who are able to buy their freedom from slavery but cannot fulfill their payments, as well as those who are enslaved.
Those in Debt: This refers to individuals who owe debts for their own needs or for others. If one has incurred debt for personal reasons, they may not receive zakat unless they are impoverished. However, if it is for mending relations, zakat may be provided even if he is rich. The Hanafi school holds that a debtor in need of zakat should receive assistance if they have no surplus over their debt.
In the Cause of Allah: This refers to those who strive in jihad without compensation from the state, including volunteers who may be given zakat to support their missions, even if they are wealthy. However, the Hanafi school advises that they should be in need to receive zakat. The general consensus is to refrain from giving zakat to those already on pilgrimage, but some scholars, including Ibn Taymiyyah and a minority of Hanafi scholars, suggest that pilgrims may indeed receive zakat to support their journey.
The Collectors of Zakat: These are individuals appointed by the state to gather and distribute zakat to the deserving. They must be just and knowledgeable about zakat laws. This category also includes anyone involved in managing zakat, such as valuators or caretakers of livestock.
The Traveler in Need: This person is someone traveling from one place to another who runs out of funds, whether due to scarcity or a lengthy journey. They may receive zakat sufficient to return to their home, even if they are wealthy. For zakat eligibility, the traveler must be Muslim and without means to return, and their journey must not be sinful. The Maliki school requires that there be no one to lend them money for their return if they are wealthy.

Types of Wealth Subject to Zakat

Allah has ordained zakat on several types of wealth, which may be associated with specific assets, such as livestock, or with monetary value, including commerce. The following outlines the types:

Livestock: This includes camels, cattle, and sheep, with zakat not applicable to any other types of animals.
Harvested Produce: This encompasses grains and other crops.
Minerals and Treasure: This pertains to subterranean minerals and treasures.
Gold, Silver, and Currency: This includes both precious metals and current cash.
Commercial Goods: These are evaluated based on value.

Quantities and Ratios of Zakatable Wealth

Every type of zakatable wealth carries a specific ratio and nisab (minimum threshold) according to Islamic law, detailed as follows:

Cash Assets: For gold and silver, the nisab for gold is 85 grams, while for silver, it is 595 grams. The zakat due is one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%). Current cash is valued against gold or silver equivalents.
Crops and Fruits: The nisab for these is five wasqs, equating to 300 sa’ (an ancient measurement), or approximately 611 kilograms. The zakat due is one-tenth if watered without cost and one-half if watered with cost.
Minerals: The Hanafi school requires zakat on minerals regardless of amount or nisab, setting the due amount at one-fifth, utilized for public welfare. The majority holds that nisab applies over currency standards, with zakat due at one-quarter of one-tenth, allocated as outlined earlier.
Treasures: This requires the payment of one-fifth, irrespective of quantity, and refers to valuable buried items extracted from the earth. The Shafi’i school stipulates nisab also applies here.
Livestock: For sheep, zakat is due at one sheep for every 40 to 121 sheep. Above that, one sheep is owed for every additional 100. For cattle, the requirement is one young male (tabe’a) for every 30, and one two-year-old (musinna) for every 40. For camels, zakat is one sheep for every five camels, increasing according to specified numbers of camels.

The Virtue and Significance of Zakat in Islam

Zakat is regarded as the third pillar of Islam, following the declaration of faith and prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: (Islam is built upon five pillars: the declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing prayers, giving zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting during Ramadan). Zakat’s significance is further underscored by the fact that the Prophet (peace be upon him) required the companions to commit to it. Many virtues rewarding zakat and its benefits have been recorded, including:

Characterizing zakat as a trait of the pious who attain Paradise, as indicated in the verse: (Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs; taking what their Lord has given them, as they were before that, doers of good).
It is a quality of believers deserving of Allah’s mercy, as highlighted in the verse: (And the believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those are the ones whom Allah will have mercy upon).
Allah promises to grow the wealth of the one who gives zakat, comparing it to nurturing a young animal until it becomes as large as a mountain.
Zakat opens doors for the giver to receive blessings, increases their wealth, atones for sins, and shields them from hardships on the Day of Judgment.
It indicates the sincerity of faith by contributing from what one cherishes most—money—purifying a person’s character, easing their soul, and protecting their wealth from envious glances.
Furthermore, zakat assists the poor and safeguards the community against poverty and unemployment, serving as a form of social solidarity within the Islamic state. It is also an expression of gratitude towards Allah for the financial blessings granted.
There is a frequent association of zakat with prayer across many verses, emphasizing its paramount importance, such as in the verse: (And establish prayer and give zakat; and whatever good you put forth for yourselves—you will find it with Allah). Zakat, being obligatory, carries greater merit than voluntary charity.

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Footnote

* Rikaz: refers to buried treasure which has no owner, whether in currency or minerals.