Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat

Find answers to common questions about Zakat

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat

General Zakat

What is Zakat?

Zakat is an obligatory charity in Islam. It is a fixed portion of wealth that eligible Muslims must give each year to those who are entitled to receive it, as commanded by Allah in the Qur’an.

Who is required to pay Zakat?

Every adult Muslim who owns wealth equal to or above the Nisab amount for one full lunar year is required to pay Zakat.

What is Nisab?

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. It is based on the value of gold or silver.

How much Zakat do I need to pay?

Zakat is 2.5% of eligible wealth that has been held for one lunar year, such as cash, savings, gold, silver, and business assets.

On what types of wealth is Zakat due?

Zakat is due on cash, bank savings, gold, silver, business inventory, and trade goods. It is not due on personal items like clothes, house, or car used for daily needs.

Is Zakat due on gold and silver?

Yes, Zakat is due on gold and silver when their value reaches or exceeds the Nisab and has been owned for one lunar year.

Do I need to pay Zakat on money in my bank account?

Yes, all savings in bank accounts are subject to Zakat if they reach the Nisab and have been held for one lunar year

Is Zakat due on gold jewellery?

Zakat is due on gold jewellery if its value reaches the Nisab and has been owned for one lunar year. Scholars differ regarding jewellery worn regularly, but many hold that Zakat is still obligatory on it.

Do I have to pay Zakat on jewellery that I wear?

If the jewellery is gold or silver and its value reaches the Nisab, then Zakat is due after one lunar year, even if it is worn regularly, according to many scholars.

How do I calculate Zakat on gold jewellery?

Zakat is calculated based on the current market value of the gold, not its purchase price. You pay 2.5% of its value once one lunar year has passed.

Is Zakat due on white gold and mixed-metal jewellery?

If the jewellery contains gold and its gold content reaches the Nisab, Zakat is due on the gold portion according to its market value.

Is Zakat due on inherited gold jewellery?

Yes, if inherited gold jewellery reaches the Nisab and a lunar year passes while it is in your possession, Zakat becomes obligatory on it.

Do I need to pay Zakat on broken or unused gold jewellery?

Yes, Zakat is still due on broken or unused gold jewellery if its gold content reaches the Nisab and one lunar year has passed.

Is Zakat due on gold kept for savings or investment?

Yes, gold kept for savings or investment is fully subject to Zakat if it reaches the Nisab and a lunar year passes.

Is Zakat due on my salary?

Zakat is not due on salary as soon as it is earned, but it becomes due if the saved amount reaches the Nisab and remains in your possession for one lunar year.

Do I have to pay Zakat on money in my bank account?

Yes, all money in bank accounts is subject to Zakat if it reaches the Nisab and has been held for one lunar year.

How is Zakat calculated on savings?

Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of the total savings that have reached the Nisab and remained for one lunar year.

Do I need to pay Zakat on monthly savings?

Each amount saved is subject to Zakat once it has completed one lunar year, or you may choose a fixed Zakat date and pay Zakat on your total savings on that date.

Is Zakat due on money kept for emergencies?

Yes, emergency funds are still subject to Zakat if they reach the Nisab and remain in your possession for one lunar year.

Can debts be deducted from my savings before paying Zakat?

Short-term debts that are due for immediate payment may be deducted from your savings before calculating Zakat.

Is Zakat due on money lent to others?

Yes, Zakat is due on money that you expect to be repaid, once it is received or according to scholarly opinion on collectible debts.

Does a woman have to pay Zakat on her own wealth?

Yes, a woman is required to pay Zakat on her own wealth if it reaches the Nisab and one lunar year has passed, regardless of whether she is married or unmarried.

Is a husband responsible for paying his wife’s Zakat?

No, a husband is not responsible for paying his wife’s Zakat unless he chooses to do so with her permission. Each person is responsible for their own Zakat.

Does a woman have to pay Zakat on her jewellery?

If a woman owns gold or silver jewellery that reaches the Nisab and a lunar year passes, then Zakat is due on it according to many scholars.

Is Zakat due on a woman’s dowry (mahr)?

If the dowry is received and remains in her possession and reaches the Nisab for one lunar year, then Zakat becomes obligatory on it.

Can a woman give her Zakat to her husband?

Yes, a woman may give her Zakat to her husband if he is eligible to receive Zakat, as she is not financially responsible for him.

Does a woman have to pay Zakat on money she saves from household allowance?

avZakat is an obligatory charity in Islam. It is a fixed portion of wealth that eligible Muslims must give each year to those who are entitled to receive it, as commanded by Allah in the Qur’an.

Is Zakat required on gifts received by a woman?

If the gift is money, gold, or silver and it reaches the Nisab and remains in her possession for one lunar year, then Zakat is due on it.

Does a student have to pay Zakat?

A student must pay Zakat if they own wealth equal to or above the Nisab and one lunar year has passed, regardless of whether they are studying or working.

Can a student receive Zakat?

Yes, a student may receive Zakat if they fall under the categories of the poor or needy and do not have sufficient means to meet their basic needs.

Is Zakat due on scholarship or stipend money?

If scholarship or stipend money is saved and reaches the Nisab and remains in the student’s possession for one lunar year, then Zakat becomes obligatory on it.

Can Zakat be used to pay for a student’s education?

Zakat may be given to a student who is eligible, and they may use it for their educational needs if they have no other sufficient means of support.

Is Zakat due on pocket money saved by a student?

If pocket money is saved, reaches the Nisab, and remains in the student’s possession for one lunar year, then Zakat is due on it.

Can parents give Zakat to their children who are students?

Parents cannot give Zakat to their own dependent children, but others may give Zakat to a student who is eligible.

Does a student need to pay Zakat on part-time earnings?

If part-time earnings are saved, reach the Nisab, and remain in the student’s possession for one lunar year, then Zakat becomes obligatory on them.

Does living abroad affect my obligation to pay Zakat?

No, living abroad does not change the obligation of Zakat. If your wealth reaches the Nisab and one lunar year has passed, Zakat is still required.

Should I calculate Nisab based on my local currency?

Yes, you should calculate Nisab according to the value of gold or silver in your local currency where you live.

Can I send my Zakat to my home country?

Yes, income earned in any country is subject to Zakat if it is saved, reaches the Nisab, and remains in your possession for one lunar year.

Is Zakat due on money saved in a foreign bank account?

Yes, refugees and migrants may receive Zakat if they fall under the categories of the poor or needy.

Do I have to pay Zakat in the country where I live?

Zakat is an obligatory charity in Islam. It is a fixed portion of wealth that eligible Muslims must give each year to those who are entitled to receive it, as commanded by Allah in the Qur’an.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Learn the basics of Zakat or use our calculator to estimate your Zakat amount.

This page provides general Islamic educational information. Consult a qualified scholar for individualized advice.