Zakat

Chapter III

ZAKAT (Islamic Alms-Fee) (Az - Zakatu)

Q.1 Can you give the definition of Zakat ?

Ans : Yes, Zakat is the amount in kind or coin which a Muslim of means must distribute among the deserving every year.

Q.2 On whom is Zakat obligatory ?

Ans : Zakat is obligatory on all Muslims who have in their possession for one complete year gold of the minimum weight of seven and half tolas or silver of the minimum weight of fifty-two and half tolas.    (a tola is equivalent in weight to a 10 grams)

Q.3 What is the annual rate of Zakat on gold or silver ?

Ans : The annual rate is 21/2 %.

Q.4 Is Zakat obligatory on gold or silver only ?

Ans : No. It is obligatory not only gold or silver but also on camels, cattle, goats and all articles of trade.

Q.5 Is Zakat obligatory on pearls and precious stones ?

Ans : They are exempted when used as ornaments for personal use, but are liable to Zakat as articles of trade.

Q.6 How should Zakat be calculated on articles of trade ?

Ans : Its should be calculated on the net balance of the value of the articles of trade at the end of the year.

Q.7 Among what classes of Muslims and for what purposes is the Zakat to be distributed and utilized ?

Ans : It is distributed among the following classes of Muslims for relieving respective wants :-

     1) The poor Muslims, to relieve distress.

     2) The needy Muslims to supply the implements for earning their livelihood, and those whose hearts are inclined to embrace Islam, i.e. the converts to Islam, the new Muslims to enable them to settle down and meet their sudden needs.

     3) The Muslims in debt, to free them from their liabilities incurred under pressing necessities.

     4) The Muslim wayfarers, if any one of them be found to be stranded in a land foreign or strange to him and stands in need of help.

     5) Muslim prisoners of war, for liberating them by payment of ransom money.

     6) Muslim employees appointed by a Muslim Amir for the collection of Zakat, for the payment of their wages.

     7) Those engaged in the way of Allah, to defray the expenses for the defence and propagation of Islam.

Q.8 What conditions must be complied with for the fulfillment of the obligation of Zakat ?

Ans : Zakat must be distributed among the classes of Muslims for the purposes enumerated with the Niyyat of fulfilling the obligation of Zakat and to see to it that the recipient is made the absolute owner in his or her sole right of what is given to him or her.

Q.9 What moral does Zakat convey to you ?

Ans : The moral that this institution conveys to me that I must not be selfish and get fond of worldly possessions, but always be ready and willing to help my brethren by all means at my disposal.

Sadaqat-ul-Fitr

Q.1 What is Sadaqat-ul-Fitr ?

Ans : It is charity, the annual distribution of which is essential (Wajib) for every Muslim who possesses on the last day of the month of Ramadan or the day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr goods of the value which makes them liable for Zakat. A muslim has to pay the Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for himself or herself and for his or her minor children.

Q.2 What is the amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr ?

Ans : One hundred and seventy-five and half tolas of wheat or its equivalent value per head is the minimum amount that a Muslim is enjoined to pay.

Q.3 To whom should Sadaqat-ul-Fitr be given ?

Ans : Those who merit Zakat also deserve it.

Q.4 When should Sadaqat-ul-Fitr be distributed ?

Ans : It should preferably be distributed before offering the ‘Id-ul-Fitr Prayers, otherwise at any other time.

Q.5 Who are not entitled  to receive Zakat or Sadaqat-ul-Fitr ?

Ans : They are :-

     1) Those on whom payment of Zakat is Obligatory.

     2) The descendants of the Holy Prophet, however poor they may be.