ZAKAT Importance .... Q: Who is liable to pay Zakat? A: Men and Women who own 87.48 grams (7.5 tola) of GOLD or 612.36 grams (52.5 tola) of SILVER or CASH equal to this ammount for more than a lunar year, then it is obligatory to pay Zakat on it. Q: How does one determine how much zakat to pay? A: If zakat becomes due on ones money as explained above, one must pay 2.5% of the money in zakat. For example, if one owes zakat on 10,000 USD, one would pay 0.025 x 10,000 USD = 250 USD in Zakat. DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT: 1. Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due. 2. All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons. 3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat. 4. Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food. 5. Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity. 6. Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash. Q: Who are Recipients of Zakat? A: Following are list of recipients of Zakat 1 -Those living in absolute poverty (Al-Fuqarā). 2 - Those restrained because they cannot meet their basic needs (Al-Masākīn). 3 - The zakat collectors themselves (Al-Āmilīna Alaihā). 4 - Non-Muslims who are sympathetic to Islam or wish to convert to Islam (Al- Muallafatu Qulūbuhum). 5 - People whom one is attempting to free from slavery or bondage. Also includes paying ransom or blood money (Diyya). (Fir-Riqāb) 6 - Those who have incurred overwhelming debts while attempting to satisfy their basic needs (Al-Ghārimīn). 7 - Those working in Gods way (Fī Sabīlillāh) (Includes warfighting) . 8 - Children of the street / Travellers (Ibnus-Sabīl). PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAT: 1. Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H); 2. Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner ones children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. 3. Zakat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations who do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakat, but instead use Zakat funds for constructions investment or salaries. THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, then taste the treasure that you have been hoarding. (Al-Quran 9:34-35)
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:13:59 +0000
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