Zakāt is the obligatory annual charity that purifies a Muslim's wealth — the third pillar of Islam, mentioned alongside prayer dozens of times in the Qur'an. It is not optional generosity; it is a right the poor have over the wealth of the rich.
"Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase."— Qur'an 9:103
The word zakāt means both "purification" and "growth" — giving it cleanses your wealth and your heart from greed, and brings barakah (blessing).
Zakāt is due on every Muslim who owns wealth above a minimum threshold called the niṣāb, and has held it for one full lunar (Hijri) year.
The niṣāb is the value of either:
If your eligible wealth stays above this value for a lunar year, zakāt is due.
Not zakatable: your home, personal car, clothing, and everyday belongings that aren't for trade.
On your zakāt due date each lunar year:
Example: if your net zakatable wealth is $10,000, your zakāt is $250.
The Qur'an (9:60) names eight categories who may receive zakāt:
It may not be given to your own parents, children, or spouse, or to non-Muslims as zakāt (general charity, ṣadaqah, may be). Your masjid can distribute zakāt correctly on your behalf.
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Zakāt | Obligatory annual 2.5% on savings above niṣāb. |
| Zakāt al-Fiṭr | Small obligatory charity of food per person, before Eid al-Fiṭr. |
| Ṣadaqah | Voluntary charity — any amount, anytime, to anyone. |
ICGK can receive and distribute your zakāt to those who qualify, right here in our community. If you're unsure how to calculate yours, just ask — we're happy to help.