Zakat is not a voluntary charity but rather, it is an obligation upon every sane Muslim. By giving Zakat, a Muslim is acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Allah and we do not really own it, and we should use it to remember Allah and help those who are in need. It is also an act to help free us from excessive desire and greed, learn self-discipline and self-control.

You should record the Islamic calendar date on which you first became the owner of Nisaab – if, on the same date the following lunar year, you are still the owner of Nisaab, you will be obliged to pay Zakat within the next year. Many Muslims choose to give their during Ramadan as the rewards for good deeds performed in Ramadan are greater than in any other month.

Assets to include in your Zakat calculation are cash (in hand, in bank accounts or money lent to someone), shares, pensions, gold and silver. Personal items such as your home, furniture, cars, food or clothing are not included in Nisaab.

While it is permissible to use either gold or silver to calculate Nisaab, many scholars recommend using silver as more people paying Zakat means more of the poor and needy benefit.

Zakat can be paid in instalments throughout the year as long as you pay the full amount by the end of the lunar year. This can work well if you have a steady income, and can predict how much you will earn in the 12 month period. Most of our Zakat applicable projects have monthly payment options.