Zakat Charity

Zakat is a form of charity that every able Muslim must pay every year. It requires Muslims to pay 2.5% of their wealth to charity, but there are requirements for one to be eligible to pay Zakat. They must be:

• Muslim
• Baligh/adult
• Sane
• Have a certain level of wealth (Nisab)

Why is Zakat important?

Zakat is important for many reasons, but essentially, by giving Zakat, Muslims are fulfilling this Pillar of Islam, which is very important. The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundations of Islam, and Muslims must perform them. They are Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj.

Find out more about why Zakat is important here.

Zakat Al-Fitr

Zakat Al-Fitr, which is also known as Sadaqat Al-Fitr, is a form of charity that should be paid by all Muslims at the end of Ramadan.

Zakat Al-Fitr donations allow people who do not have the means to enjoy Eid to have at least the essentials. This allows them to enjoy Eid as we do.

It must be paid before Eid prayers start so that your donation can be given to those in need in time for Eid day.

Benefits of Giving Zakat

There are individual spiritual benefits of giving charity, as well as having a positive impact on individuals and communities who receive the Zakat.

In several hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has shown us Muslims the importance of giving Zakat and the impact it has on us as believers:

“Charity never decreases wealth.” – [Muslim]

The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” – Prophet Muhammad, upon him, be peace (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Where to Pay Your Zakat

There are many Zakat charities in the UK, one of which is UKIM. UKIM works on an international scale and uses your Zakat donations to help those most in need around the world.

You can pay your Zakat with UKIM here.

As well as accepting Zakat donations, UKIM allows donors to calculate their Zakat amount before donating. This ensures that the correct amount is paid. Use the Zakat Calculator this year to work out your Zakat.

Donate your Zakat to UKIM to help people in need around the world by providing shelter, food, water, education and other essentials that are easy to give but have a huge impact on people.