Zakat Made Simple: Who, When and How to Give

Among the 99 Names of Allah (SWT), known as Asma ul Husna, one stands out as a symbol of His boundless generosity-Ar-Razzaq, which means “The Supreme Provider”. This divine attribute derived from the word “Rizq” which means ‘sustenance’ tells us about the very Force that helps the tiniest atom to the grandest galaxy function in complete harmony. 

Our lives have been enriched by the kindness of Ar-Razzaq who has gifted us ‘Rizq’ or sustenance in many ways-whether seen, unseen or beyond comprehension. We all know that it is this attribute that makes the entire Universe to work in perfect harmony so that every creation can find what is meant for them. 

During these blessed days of Ramadan, when we stand in prayer together or break our fasts together, there is immense ‘barakah’ in it. We meet each other despite our challenges, busy schedules because Islam was never meant to be practiced in isolation. We adhere to a faith that promises rewards for visiting the sick, smiling at each other with greetings of ‘peace’ and wishing for others what you want for yourself. 

It’s a faith where saving one life is like saving humanity (Surah Maidah: 32) and that each one of us is a part of one Ummah. We believe in the power of collective care to uplift our communities because Huqooq ul Allah (Rights of Allah) and Huqooq ul Ibaad (Rights of Humanity) go hand in hand.  

One of the true manifestations of Allah’s (SWT) divine attribute of being ‘Ar-Razzaq’ is Zakat-one of the main pillars of our faith that allows us to combine our duties towards Allah SWT by assisting to provide security, comfort and relief to fellow humans in a beautiful manner. 

Zakat and Salah are mentioned 28 times in the Holy Qur’an which emphasises the fact that while Salah brings communities together in prayers, it is Zakat that makes us to look after one another. Moreover, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that merely praying to the Creator and not volunteering to help His ‘creations’ would be of any benefit for the hereafter. 

Zakat is indeed a true example of solidarity in action wherein the rules make sure that it is a dignified exchange to those receiving it. 

Allah (SWT) has clearly outlined the eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60): 

The poor (Al-Fuqara) – Those who have nothing or struggle to meet their basic needs. 
The needy (Al-Masakeen) – Those who have some means but not enough to sustain themselves. 

The administrators of Zakat (Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha) – Those appointed to collect and distribute Zakat. 
Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum) – New Muslims or those inclined towards Islam, to strengthen their faith. 
To free slaves (Fir-Riqab) – Historically, this applied to freeing captives or enslaved people. Today, it extends to helping those in modern slavery or debt bondage. 
Those in debt (Al-Gharimin) – Individuals burdened with debts they cannot repay. 

For the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah) – Striving for the cause of Allah, such as dawah efforts, Islamic education, and humanitarian aid. 
The stranded traveller (Ibn As-Sabil) – A traveller who has lost their means and cannot return home. 

When to Give Zakat? 

As Muslims, we are encouraged to give Zakat after one lunar year has passed since your wealth first reached the Nisab (the minimum amount of wealth one must have before they are liable to pay Zakat) threshold. While it can be given at any time of the year, many of us choose to pay it during the holy month of Ramadan, seeking multiplied rewards. The reluctance to pay Zakat on time is highly discouraged in Islam as that would mean delaying help to those who need it the most. 

How to Give Zakat? 

Calculating and distributing Zakat involves several steps: 

Assessment of Wealth: Determine all assets subject to Zakat, including savings, investments, business goods, and gold or silver. 

Calculation: Ensure your total wealth meets the Nisab threshold. The Nisab is equivalent to the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Once this is confirmed, calculate 2.5% of the total qualifying wealth. 

Distribution: Allocate the calculated amount to the eligible recipients as mentioned earlier. 

 Zakat is not merely an obligation put on us, rather it is the ‘Haqq’ (rights) of others on us. It is a two-way transaction where the receiver can release himself from the shackles of poverty and his faith in the mercy of Allah SWT is restored while the giver purifies his/her wealth while earning the pleasure of Allah SWT. 

As Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, 

         “Take from their wealth (O Prophet) charity to purify and bless them and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103) 

While most of us grapple with the rising cost of living, inflation, housing, healthcare and education in the UK today, there are countless souls in the quiet corners of the world who must face harsh realities of poverty, hunger and despair every day. An orphan in Palestine struggling to get a loaf of bread for his little sister, while a mother in a drought-stricken land like Pakistan might be walking miles under the scorching sun to fetch clean drinking water for her children.

Hope for a better tomorrow that starts with an action like Zakat, today. 

Fulfil your obligation and let us transform lives. Donate your Zakat through Penny Appeal and be the change that our world so desperately needs. 

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains." (Quran 2:261)