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Zakat FAQs

Our Aim

Our main aim is to guarantee that every pound of Zakat paid by UK Muslims is paid appropriately. We also strive to ensure that those who are eligible to receive zakat in our own communities get the care and support they need. We are proud to be able to say that 100% of our zakat funds are distributed in line with Sunnah and the Holy Qur’an. In addition, our zakat practices are fully authenticated and audited by the Al-Qalam Shari’ah Panel.

Zakat Guide 3 MB

A short guide on the fundamentals of Zakat

Zakat 2025

Whilst Zakat is an obligatory religious duty, it is also a meaningful reminder that everything we have been given in this life is worldly, material goods and is not ours. Anything that is given to us belongs to Allah (SWT) and it is seen as our duty to share it amongst His creation.

To calculate the exact amount of Zakat you need to pay, you can use our handy Zakat calculator. 

Zakat FAQs

Zakat, an essential aspect of Islam, represents both charity and wealth purification, fostering social balance within the Muslim community. It's obligatory for financially stable adult Muslims, serving as a cornerstone of Islamic faith.

You can set up a regular monthly payment like a direct debit if you wish to pay your zakat in smaller instalments. If you choose to pay your zakat with Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, certain campaigns and sponsorships are zakat-eligible so you can spread the rewards of your generosity throughout the year.

Yes! Gift Aid is a valuable tax concession which enhances the value of donations made to registered charities by 25%. All UK taxpayers can Gift Aid their payments.

The nisab value, based on the current worth of gold and silver, determines Zakat eligibility. Zakat is due annually if one's wealth exceeds this threshold for a full Islamic lunar year. Adjustments are necessary if wealth fluctuates, and Zakat is not applicable if wealth falls below the nisab value.

Your zakat payment period for the year will start on the date when your wealth first equalled or exceeded the nisab. After this, zakat must be calculated and paid once each lunar year has passed, and it will then fall every year thereafter on that date. If you are not able to remember this date, then you should make an estimate. If this is not possible, you should select a specific Islamic date to adhere to, instead. It is not obligatory to pay zakat during Ramadan, but many Muslims prefer to give charity during Ramadan.

The recipient of Zakat must not belong to your immediate family such as your spouse, children, parents and grandparents. They are not eligible to get zakat. However, you can give your zakat to other relatives and family members except your immediate family.

Zakat must be distributed amongst eight set groups of people as defined in the Holy Qur’an:

  • The Poor (Fakir)
  • The Needy (Miskin)
  • An Islamic Revert in Need (Muallaf)
  • The Collector of Zakat (Amil)
  • Slaves (Riqab)
  • A Stranded Traveller in Need (Ibnus Sabil)
  • A Debtor (Gharmin)
  • Those Practising, But in Need and Away from Home (Fisabillillah)

Zakat is an annual obligation, following the lunar calendar in Islam. When an individual's wealth surpasses the nisab threshold for a full lunar year, they must pay 2.5% of the surplus wealth beyond the nisab, ensuring wealth circulation and societal welfare. Exemptions apply if wealth falls below the nisab within the lunar cycle.

Zakat rules define those eligible to pay as being:

  • Of Muslim faith
  • Sane and in good health
  • Free and not in slavery
  • Past the age of puberty
  • With wealth greater than the nisab value
  • With a positive goods or cash flow

To summarise, those eligible to give Zakat are adult Muslims, working or earning more than the nisab value and able to meet their and their family’s daily needs without struggling.

The Quran does not specify a fixed percentage for Zakat. However, scholars generally agree on a rate of 2.5% for most forms of wealth, such as business profits, savings, and investments.

Zakat Applicable Projects

Your Zakat donation will go directly to those who need it most 100% of the time – giving you 100% of the reward.

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