The third pillar of Islam

Purify

Giving 2.5% of your wealth each year purifies the rest and reminds us that possessions are a trust (amanah), not an absolute ownership.

Redistribute

Zakat goes directly to the 8 designated categories of beneficiaries: it reduces poverty and strengthens the community's bonds of solidarity.

Obey

Along with the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting and pilgrimage, Zakat is one of the five pillars: it is only due once the Nisab is reached and the Hawl (one lunar year) has passed.

Al-Baqarah

“Establish prayer, give Zakat, and bow with those who bow.”

At-Tawbah

“Zakat is only for the poor, the needy, those who collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, the freeing of captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveller.” — the origin of the 8 categories of beneficiaries.

Adh-Dhariyat

“And in their wealth there was a known right for the beggar and the deprived.” — the wealth of the rich holds a right owed to the most needy.

Al-Baqarah

“Whatever good you send ahead for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Surely Allah sees what you do.”