Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is an Islamic term meaning purification and growth. In Islamic teaching, paying zakat purifies a believer’s wealth from greed, selfishness, and miserliness, and it affirms the right of the needy over the possessions of the wealthy. The Qur’an states: “And in their wealth there is a recognized right for the needy and deprived” (51:19), and “Of their goods, take alms so that you might purify and sanctify them” (9:103). The concept of “growth” refers to the belief that wealth given in zakat is blessed and multiplied by Allah, as in “That which you give for charity, seeking the countenance of Allah, will increase” (30:39).

Religious Obligation

According to Shariah, zakat is farz (obligatory) like salat (prayer). If a Muslim possesses wealth that exceeds the necessary annual expenses of themselves and their family, and this surplus remains in their possession for a lunar year, a portion of it must be donated to eligible causes prescribed in Islam. The Qur’an often pairs zakat and prayer: “Establish regular prayer and give regular charity” (73:20). Initially, before detailed rules were revealed, the Prophet’s Companions would donate almost everything beyond their needs (Qur’an 2:219). After the revelation of verse 9:103, zakat became a defined religious duty for all Muslims.

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr (RA), famously declared jihad against groups refusing to pay zakat, saying: “I swear by Allah, I will fight those who differentiate between zakat and prayer” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Social and Economic Role

From the Qur’an and hadith, it is clear that zakat serves as a central mechanism in Islamic economic and social policy. It is designed to ensure fair wealth distribution, eradicate poverty, promote economic balance, and reduce unemployment. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Allah has made obligatory upon the wealthy the giving of zakat—it will be collected from their rich and returned to their poor” (Bukhari, Muslim). Beneficiaries include the poor, the destitute, orphans, widows, the disabled, and anyone unable to earn a basic living.

Nisab (Minimum Threshold)

Zakat becomes obligatory when a Muslim’s wealth reaches the nisab level:

  • Silver: 200 dirhams (≈ 52.5 tolas in Bangladesh measure)

  • Gold: 20 mithqals (≈ 7.5 tolas)

  • Trade goods: 2.5% (1/40) of the value of gold, silver, and merchandise

For agricultural produce:

  • Naturally irrigated land: 10% of harvest

  • Artificially irrigated land: 5% of harvest

For war booty, mined or excavated treasure: 20% of value

For livestock:

  • 5 camels → 1 sheep/goat due as zakat

  • 30 cattle → 1 two-year-old calf

  • 40 sheep/goats → 1 sheep/goat

(According to Hanafi jurisprudence, horses are also zakatable under certain conditions.)

Eligible Recipients

The Qur’an (9:60) strictly defines the eight categories of zakat recipients:

  1. The poor (fuqara’)

  2. The needy (masakin)

  3. Zakat administrators

  4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (new Muslims or allies)

  5. Those in bondage (slaves seeking freedom)

  6. Debtors unable to repay debts

  7. In the cause of Allah (jihad, da’wah, etc.)

  8. Wayfarers in need

Zakat funds cannot be lawfully diverted to purposes outside these categories.