What is Zakat?
An obligation of the faithful, a right of the poor
One of the most powerful forces for social good ever known, purifying wealth and strengthening the bonds of community.
The Meaning of Zakat
Purification and growth
The word Zakat (زكاة) comes from the Arabic root meaning both purification and growth.
It refers to the obligatory annual giving that every financially capable Muslim must perform, not as a voluntary act of generosity, but as a pillar of faith and a duty to the community.
Zakat is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is mentioned alongside prayer (Salah) more than 80 times in the Quran, underscoring how central giving is to the practice of Islam.
Unlike voluntary charity, zakat is a right that belongs to the poor. It is not a gift. It is a return of what was already theirs.
Who Must Pay
Zakat becomes obligatory when four conditions are met
01
Muslim
Zakat is an obligation upon Muslims only.
02
Free & Adult
The person must be a free adult of sound mind.
03
Above the Nisab
Their wealth must meet or exceed the minimum threshold (nisab).
04
One Lunar Year
That wealth must have been held for a full lunar year (hawl).
87.48g
Gold nisab
612.36g
Silver nisab
2.5%
Rate on qualifying wealth
Who Receives Zakat?
Eight categories in the Quran (9:60)
- 1.The Poor (Al-Fuqara’): those with little or no income
- 2.The Needy (Al-Masakin): those whose income does not cover basic needs
- 3.Zakat Administrators: those appointed to collect and distribute it
- 4.Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled: new Muslims or those whose support benefits the community
- 5.To Free Those in Bondage: historically to free slaves
- 6.The Debt-Burdened (Al-Gharimin): those overwhelmed by debt through legitimate means
- 7.In the Way of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): for causes that serve the community and faith
- 8.The Traveler (Ibn Al-Sabil): a stranded traveler in need, even if wealthy at home
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke blessings upon them.”
Quran, 9:103
Zakat is not charity in the Western sense. It is a structured system of wealth redistribution built into Islamic practice. The poor have a right to receive it. The wealthy have a duty to give it.
This framing removes the stigma from receiving help and the ego from giving it. Every year, wealth that has sat still must move, circulating back into the community.
Zakat at Ansar NC
Collected with care. Distributed with precision.
We verify eligibility carefully, work directly with families in need, and ensure your zakat is given to those who qualify under Islamic law, with dignity and without delay.
Have a question about your specific zakat situation? Reach out to our Scholarly Council via our contact form.