Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam — a compulsory act of worship like prayer and fasting. The word Zakat means "purification" and "growth." It purifies the wealth of the giver, increases its blessing and establishes social justice.
Zakat in the Qur'an
Zakat is mentioned alongside prayer 32 times in the Qur'an. Allah says:
"Establish prayer, give Zakat, and bow with those who bow." (Al-Baqarah 2:43)
"Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them." (At-Tawbah 9:103)
"Zakat is only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, captives, the debtors, those in the way of Allah, and the wayfarer." (At-Tawbah 9:60)
Zakat in the Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan." (Bukhari, Iman 1; Hadith 8. Muslim, Iman 19; Hadith 16)
"Whoever is given wealth and does not pay its Zakat — on the Day of Judgment it will be turned into a venomous bald-headed snake that will coil around his neck." (Bukhari, Zakat 3; Hadith 1403)
Nisab and calculation
- Gold nisab: 85 grams (20 mithqal). When wealth reaches this and a lunar year passes, 2.5% is paid as Zakat.
- Silver nisab: 595 grams (200 dirhams). 2.5% is paid.
- Cash and deposits: if cash or bank balance equals 85 g of gold's market value, 2.5% is paid.
- Trade goods: 2.5% of the inventory value at year-end.
Who cannot receive Zakat?
Close relatives in direct line (father, mother, son, daughter), wealthy persons, and non-Muslims (in the classical view) do not receive Zakat (Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq).
Al Baraka Azerbaijan delivers your Zakat strictly according to Sharia — to one of the eight categories named in the Qur'an. A full report on each Zakat project is provided.