Zakat is a yearly charity of 2.5% on savings and wealth above a minimum amount (nisab), and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is given to the poor and others in need, and it purifies a person's wealth and heart.
The fuller answer
The Quran lists eight groups who may receive zakat, including the poor, the needy, those in debt, travellers in need and those working to collect and distribute it, and to free slaves. It is a right of the poor over the wealth of the rich, not an act of favour.
Besides the obligatory zakat, Islam encourages voluntary charity (sadaqah) at any time, such as feeding a person, helping a neighbour or even a smile. The Prophet ﷺ said that charity does not decrease wealth. Zakat has been one of the earliest systems of social welfare in history.
Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
