Conditions for Zakat

1. Zakat Performer

Muslim

Every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty (bolough) and owns enough assets is required to pay zakat.

2. Zakat Asset

Ownership

A Muslim will only be required to pay zakat if he or she has legal ownership of an asset.

Assets that exceed a minimum value

zakat is to be paid on assets that exceed the market price of 3 oz. of gold. (Nisab) = $6,500.

Completion of Haul

Haul is defined as the completion period for a zakat asset. The length of time for haul is one Hijrah year.

Once these conditions are met the payment of zakat becomes an obligation for a Muslim. 

Zakat Test

  • Do you have a combined value of $6,500.00 in cash, savings, stocks, gold/silver, business worth, cattle, or other assets?

If you answered yes to the above question, then you should pay zakat.


Beneficiaries of Zakat

 

Recipients of Zakat

There are eight categories of people who are the beneficiaries of zakat which are mentioned in the Qur’an in Surat Al-Tawbah – Ayah 60.

 إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلۡمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيۡہَا وَٱلۡمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلۡغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ‌ۖ فَرِيضَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَڪِيمٌ۬ (٦٠)

“As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ’ (poor), and Al-Masâkin (the Needy) and the administrators; and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allâh’s Cause, and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” 

  1. The Poor (Al-Fuqura’)
  2. The Needy (Al-Masakin)
  3. Administrators of Zakah (Al-A’mileen Aliyah)
  4. Those inclined to Islam (Muallafate-Qulubhum)
  5. Captives seeking freedom (Al-Riqab)
  6. Debtors (Al-Gharimeen)
  7. For the cause of Allah (Fi Sabile Allah)
  8. Wayfarers (Ibn as-Sabil)

Apply for Zakah

To apply for zakat assistance please contact the Imam of your Masjid to complete the application process.

Payment of Zakah

The zakat is to be paid locally to the Muslim community where the individual lives and earns his or her income. According to the scholars, the poor of this city have a prior claim over local zakat than the poor elsewhere. The leadership of the local Muslim community is responsible to collect and distribute the zakat. ZACA will distribute through the Muslim Social Services the zakat to those individuals in Central Florida in the above categories. Zakat can only be sent outside when the zakat has reached surplus over the needs of the local community. Therefore, the correct way to give our zakat is as follows:

  1. Pay zakat on a specific date each Hijrah year, for example: Ramadan 27.
  2. Calculate your zakat or have the ZACA employees or an accountant calculate it.
  3. Make the intention when paying zakat and do not mix zakat with other donations.
  4. Pay your zakat on time and in full to Zakat Assessment and Collection Agency (which is in charge of collecting and distributing zakat in Central Florida.)

Types of Zakat

Zakah al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity on every Muslim regardless of their age, status or wealth. It has to be paid by the end of Ramadan or on the day of Eid before the Eid prayer. The head of the household may pay the required amount for all other family members (including an unborn baby). The amount of zakat payable is approximately 5 lb. of staple food in the relevant country or an amount of money that is equivalent to the price of the food. The dollar amount is approximately $15.00 per person.

Zakah al-Mal (on wealth)

Zakat al-Mal is a cyclic charity based on the amount of wealth owned by a Muslim individual or organization. This payment is obligatory upon any Muslim individual or organization that has completed the requirement of nisab and haul (one hijrah calendar year). The payment is 2.5% out of the total wealth deemed for zakat. Nisab is the equivalent value of 3 oz. of gold, which equaled approximately $6,500.00


Zakah Due Date:

Zakat becomes due immediately one year from:

  1. The first day you acquired nisab (minimum Zakatable amount) for the first time.
  2. Same day each Ramadan, (ex. Ramadan 27.)
  3. The Hijri date you paid Zakat the previous year.
The Zakat Assessment & Collection Agency (ZACA) assists our community members with the proper practice of the 3rd pillar of Islam, a very important ibada (act of worship).  ZACA conducts educational seminars on Zakat, correct calculation methods, where Zakat should be paid, different types of Zakat, and much more.  ZACA provides consultation for proper calculation and payment of your Zakat, and is also responsible for collecting Zakat for the Muslims in the Central Florida community.  A calculation worksheet is available below and in the ZACA brochure for your convenience.  Should you have a complex case with a variety of assets and other conditions, you can make an appointment and a qualified Imam will be happy to assist you.  Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, it is mentioned 82 times in the Quran along with Salat.  
The minimum amount subject to Zakat (Nisab Value) for Ramadan 1444 = $5,910