A simple illustrated guide to zakat, answers to 7 common questions

Zakat is an obligatory charity in Islam, intended to purify wealth and promote economic equality. Zakat is obligatory for adult Muslims whose wealth is above the nisab threshold, the minimum amount needed to be eligible to pay zakat. The Quran specifies eight categories of people eligible to receive zakat: The poor – those with little or no income The needy – those who have some resources but not enough for a stable life Zakat administrators – individuals or organisations responsible for collecting and distributing zakat New Muslims – converts or those inclined towards Islam who need financial support People in debt – those burdened by debts they cannot repay Stranded travellers – those who lack financial support while away from home People working in welfare – individuals engaged in religious, educational, or humanitarian efforts Captives and slaves – historically used to free enslaved people; now applied to modern equivalents like bonded labour Zakat cannot be given to immediate family members who are considered one’s financial responsibility. Once a Muslim’s wealth surpasses the nisab threshold, they are required to pay zakat, provided they have had possession of this wealth for a full lunar year. For example, if someone’s wealth remains above the nisab threshold for an entire year, they are obligated to pay zakat.