How does Zakat purify your wealth?

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (Al- Qur’an, 2:110)

How much zakat do you pay? Is Zakat 2.5% of my wealth?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an obligation on all adult Muslims who are able to afford it. It is vital to understand this obligation and the benefits behind it.

There is a threshold of wealth, the nisaab, and if you meet this you are eligible to pay Zakat on 2.5% of the value of all your assets and wealth. The nisaab is usually based on the value of gold or silver. You can easily calculate your Zakat here!

Zakat is a form of generosity based in the understanding that wealth is from Allah SWT and by giving of our wealth to those in need and those struggling, we can not only make a difference to them but also to our own feelings about wealth, privilege and duty. As a spiritual act it is about giving from what Allah SWT has blessed us with to others and showing gratitude.

Giving from your wealth purifies it and makes it all the more of a blessing that you will value and appreciate. It will also bring the giver great reward in fulfilling a pillar of the faith and making life less burdensome for others.

Ramadan is an especially important time to give your Zakat and your charity and sadaqah in general as you take advantage of the increased rewards and holiness of the this month.