Zakat Al Maal
“Zakat al-Maal (زكاة المال) is a mandatory form of charity in Islam, due annually on wealth that has reached the Nisab (minimum threshold) and has been held for one lunar year. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. and serves to purify wealth and support those in need.
Obligation
“Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay Zakat, which is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them.” — Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1395)
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
Warning “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” — Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1403)
Zakat Purifies Wealth
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Zakat is a purification of wealth.” — Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 1788)
Basic Zakat al-Maal Guidelines
Rate: 2.5% of qualifying wealth Applies to: Cash, gold, silver, business assets, investments Nisab: Equivalent to the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver”.
Zakat Al Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr (زكاة الفطر) is a special charity given at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs, and it must be given on behalf of each member of the household.
Purpose of Zakat al-Fitr
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“The fast remains suspended between Heaven and Earth until the Zakat al-Fitr is paid.”
— Abu Hafs Umar bin al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), reported in Dar Qutni
It purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan and helps the poor celebrate Eid without worry.
🧒 Who Must Pay It?
Every Muslim, including children and dependents
The head of the household pays on behalf of all members
💰 What Is Paid?
Traditionally: one sa‘ (approx. 2.5–3 kg) of staple food (e.g., wheat, dates, rice)
Today: Often paid in cash equivalent, based on local food prices
🕓 When to Pay?
Before Eid prayer (preferably a day or two before)
If paid after Eid prayer, it is considered regular charity (not Zakat al-Fitr)
🌍 Estimated Amount (Canada Example)
In Canada, many Islamic organizations set the Zakat al-Fitr amount around $10–$15 CAD per person, depending on food prices.
| Purpose | Purifies wealth, supports the poor, and reduces economic inequality |
| Who Must Pay | Every adult Muslim whose wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for one lunar year |
| Rate | 2.5% of qualifying wealth |
| Qualifying Assets | Cash, gold, silver, business inventory, investments, receivables |
| Nisab Threshold | Equivalent to 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver (value varies by market) |
| Recipients | 8 categories listed in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), including the poor, needy, and those in debt |
| Timing | Once every lunar year when wealth has remained above Nisab |
| Penalty for Avoidance | Severe warnings in Hadith; wealth may become a source of punishment |
Zakat al-Fitr Overview
| Category | Details |
| Definition | Mandatory charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr prayer |
| Purpose | Purifies the fasting person and enables the poor to celebrate Eid |
| Who Must Pay | Every Muslim with surplus food; paid by head of household for all dependents |
| Amount | One ṣāʿ (~2.5–3 kg) of staple food or its cash equivalent |
| Timing | Must be paid before Eid prayer; preferably a day or two before |
| Recipients | Same as Zakat al-Maal: the poor and needy (per Surah At-Tawbah 9:60) |
| Penalty for Delay | If paid after Eid prayer, it counts as regular charity, not Zakat al-Fitr |
| Common Rate in Canada | ~$10–$15 CAD per person (based on food prices) |