Complete Zakat Guide
Everything you need to know about Zakat — its importance, conditions, recipients, and how to calculate your obligation.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory act of worship in which eligible Muslims contribute a fixed portion of their accumulated wealth to specific categories of people in need. The word Zakat means purification and growth; by giving Zakat, a Muslim purifies their wealth and soul, and helps strengthen the broader community.
"And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves — you will find it with Allah." (Quran 2:110)
Who Must Pay Zakat?
Zakat becomes obligatory when all these conditions are met:
Muslim
Zakat is only obligatory on Muslims.
Free Person
A free person, not enslaved.
Sound Mind & Adult
The person must be of sound mind and have reached puberty.
Owns Nisab
Wealth equal to or above the nisab threshold must be owned.
One Lunar Year (Hawl)
The wealth must have been held for a complete lunar year.
Wealth Above Basic Needs
Wealth is surplus to basic living necessities and outstanding debts.
Nisab Threshold
Nisab is the minimum wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. Two standards apply:
Gold Standard
87.48 grams of gold
Silver Standard
612.36 grams of silver
Most scholars recommend using the silver nisab as it is lower, making Zakat accessible to more givers and benefiting more recipients. Always verify current metal prices to get the nisab value in BDT.
The Zakat Rate
2.5%
on monetary wealth, gold & silver
Zakat on monetary wealth, gold, silver, and trade goods is 2.5% of the total net zakatable wealth. Agricultural produce and livestock have different rates set by Islamic jurisprudence.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
The Quran (9:60) specifies eight eligible categories:
Al-Fuqara — The Poor
People with very little wealth who cannot meet their basic daily needs.
Al-Masakin — The Needy
Those in extreme poverty and hardship, often worse off than the Fuqara.
Amil al-Zakat — Zakat Collectors
Those legitimately employed to collect and distribute Zakat funds.
Al-Muallafat Qulubuhum — New Muslims
New Muslims or those whose hearts are being reconciled to Islam.
Fi al-Riqab — Freeing the Oppressed
Historically used to free enslaved people; extended today to those in unjust captivity.
Al-Gharimin — The Indebted
Those in debt for legitimate reasons who are unable to repay.
Fi Sabilillah — In the Way of Allah
Those striving for Allah — including education, humanitarian, and da'wah causes.
Ibn al-Sabil — Stranded Travellers
Travellers who are far from home and lack funds to return.
Ready to Give Your Zakat?
Use our calculator to find your exact Zakat amount, then give directly to Al Hidaya Foundation.