What is Zakat?
Zakat, in Islam, is a form of obligatory charity or almsgiving, considered a pillar of the faith. The word "zakat" itself has linguistic meanings of "growth," "purity," and "blessing" (Nevevî — el-Minhâc, s. V07/P047). In Islamic terminology, it refers to the mandatory allocation of a portion of one's wealth to specific categories of needy people (Kurtubî — el-Câmi' li-Ahkâmi'l-Kur'ân, s. V01/P341). It is seen as a means of purifying one's wealth and soul, and it is believed to bring blessings and growth to the wealth that is given (İbn Kesîr — Tefsîrü'l-Kur'âni'l-Azîm, s. V07/P163). The Quran states: "Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to be increased" (Quran 9:103, cited in İbn Kudâme — el-Muğnî, s. V02/P267).
Who is Required to Pay Zakat?
Zakat is obligatory upon Muslims who meet certain criteria, primarily concerning the amount of wealth they possess. This wealth must reach a minimum threshold known as the nisab.
- Muslims: Zakat is a religious obligation specifically for Muslims (İmam Şâfiî — el-Üm, s. V02/P081).
- Wealth Threshold (Nisab): There are specific minimum amounts (nisab) for different types of wealth. For example, İmam Şâfiî states that there is no zakat on less than five camels, five awāq (a unit of weight, approximately 200 dirhams) of silver, or five awsuq (a unit of volume, approximately 653 kg) of dates or grains (Nesâî — es-Sünen, s. V02/P008; İmam Şâfiî — el-Üm, s. V02/P082). The exact nisab amounts vary for different assets like gold, silver, livestock, and agricultural produce.
- Possession for a Full Year: Generally, the wealth must be possessed for a full lunar year before zakat becomes due, though there are specific rules for agricultural produce and other assets (İmam Şâfiî — el-Üm, s. V02/P081).
The Quran specifies the recipients of zakat: "Charity is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect [it], and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the freeing of captives and the indebted and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler, as an ordinance from Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise" (Quran 9:60, cited in İbn Kudâme — el-Muğnî, s. V06/P321).
It's important to note that scholars have detailed specific conditions and calculations for zakat on various forms of wealth, including money, gold, silver, livestock, and agricultural products. For instance, İbn Kudâme states that in agriculture, the amount of zakat can be one-tenth (10%) if the land is watered by natural means (rain, rivers) or one-twentieth (5%) if it requires artificial irrigation (İbn Kudâme — el-Muğnî, s. V02/P292).