What Is Zakat?

What is zakat?

Zakat refers to a certain amount that should be given to certain people for the sake of Allah by those who own the amount of wealth (nisab) which is accepted as a measure of being rich in Islam. The conditions for zakat to be fardh are as follows: in addition to having wealth more than the nisab amount, the wealth must be reproductive and increasing, must be in possession for at least one year, and excess the amount of one-year debt and basic needs.

Nisab refers to the minimum amount of wealth and possessions that a Muslim must own for being obliged to pay zakat. This measure corresponds as; 20 mithqal (80.18 gr) for gold, 5 for camels, 30 for cattle, 40 for sheep and goats.

To whom zakat must be given is explained in the Holy Qur’an in details (Tawbah, 9/60), and the nisab amount is stated in the hadiths (Bukhari, Zakat, 32, 36, 38, 43). Accordingly, those who are in possession of wealth in nisab amount in addition to their basic needs must give zakat for it. (Kasani, Bada’i, II, 4 ff.).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA