What is Zakāt?

Zakāt is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is the name given to the charity that a Muslim must give in the presence of certain conditions. Linguistically, it means purification and growth. The word is used to describe ones charity because it is considered to purify ones wealth. The meaning of growth is also relevant as we are told by God and His Holy Prophet that giving in charity is a means for the long-term growth of ones wealth.

Who must pay Zakāt?

Zakāt is an obligation upon every Muslim who owns a certain amount of wealth. This amount of wealth is called the niāb.

In some schools of Islamic Law the wealth of minors and the mentally ill is also legible for zakāt as long as all other conditions are met. In such a case it is the obligation of the guardian to pay the zakāt on their behalf.

What type of property is legible for Zakāt?

There are broadly speaking six types of property for which a Muslim must pay zakāt. They are gold and silver; trade goods; li