1 Can you give the definition
of Zakat?
Zakat is the amount in kind or coin which a Muslim of means must
distribute among the deserving every year.
2 On whom is Zakat obligatory?
Zakat is obligatory on all Muslims who have in their possession
for one complete year gold of the minimum weight of seven and a
half tolas or silver of the minimum weight of fifty two and half
tolas.
3 What is the annual rate of Zakat
on gold or silver?
The annual rate is 2.5%.
4 Is Zakat obligatory on gold
or silver only?
No. It is obligatory not only on gold or silver but also on camels,
cattle, goats and all articles of trade.
5 Is Zakat obligatory on pearls
and precious stones?
They are exempted when used as ornaments for personal use, but are
liable to Zakat as articles of trade
6 How should Zakat be calculated
on articles of trade?
It should be calculated on the net balance of the value of the articles
of trade at the end of the year.
7 Among what classes of Muslims
and for what purpose is the Zakat to be distributed and utilized?
It is distributed among the following classes of Muslims for relieving
respective wants:-
- The poor Muslims to relieve distress
- The needy Muslims to supply the
implements for earning their livelihood, and those whose hearts
are inclined to embrace Islam, i.e., the converts to Islam, the
new Muslims to enable them to settle down and meet their sudden
needs.
- The Muslims in debt, to free
them from their liabilities incurred under pressing necessities.
- The Muslim wayfarers, if any one
of them be found to be stranded In a land foreign or strange to
him and stands in need of help.
- Muslim prisoners of war, for
liberating them by payment of ransom money
- Muslim employees appointed by
a Muslim Amir for the collection of Zakat, for the payment of
their wages
- Those engaged in the way of Allah,
to defray the expenses for the defense and propagation of Islam.
8 What conditions must be complied with for the fulfillment of
the obligation of Zakat?
Zakat must be distributed among the classes of Muslims for purposes
enumerated with the Niyyat of fulfilling the the obligation of Zakat
and to see to it that the recipient is made the absolute owner in
his or her sole right of what is given to him or her.
9 What moral does Zakat convey to you?
The moral that this institution conveys to me is that I must not
be selfish and get too fond of worldly possessions, but must always
be ready and willing to help my brethren by all means at my disposal.
|
