FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and also an act of worship. It means ‘purification’. By giving a small portion of one’s assets to those in vulnerable situations, a Muslim purifies one’s wealth and makes the wealth gained pleasure to Allah.
Zakat is obligatory for all eligible Muslims who meet specific conditions based on their wealth. Those whose assets surpass the nisab (minimum threshold) and have held that wealth for a full lunar year (hawl) must contribute 2.5% of their savings. This amount is given to assist people in need.
Zakat is determined based on your net assets at the end of a one-year cycle. To figure out how much Zakat you need to pay, you can use our online calculator tool.
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer or anytime during Ramadan leading up to Eid. For more details, you can seek advice from your local sheikh or scholar.
Basmah USA allocates your Zakat to support vulnerable communities across the United States through its six key programs, helping those in need locally.
Nisab refers to the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess (after accounting for essential expenses) to be eligible to pay zakat. This amount is equivalent to the current value of three ounces of gold, though it may fluctuate daily based on the gold market.
Hawl is the completion of a lunar year for zakat-eligible assets. This means the wealth on which zakat is due must have been held for at least one full lunar year. However, certain types of zakat, like that on agricultural produce, are due immediately at the time of harvest. For more guidance, it’s recommended to consult with a local sheikh or scholar.
Nisab is calculated based on the current market price of gold. It is equivalent to the value of 3 ounces of gold at the prevailing rate
In the terminology of the Qur’an, zakat and sadaqah carry the same meaning. However, in practice, zakat refers to the obligatory charity that Muslims are required to give, while sadaqah is used for voluntary charitable donations.
Yes, you still need to pay zakat, but it’s advisable to consult with your local sheikh or scholar for further guidance on your specific situation.
ZAKAH CALCULATOR