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Articles
To Pay Zakat
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.
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