What is Zakat?
Zakat Literally means Purification and Growth.It is the most cardinal and vital system in an Islamic order.Did you Know Allah SWT mentioned the word Zakat over 80 times in the Quran and Has also mentioned in detail the people who are eligible to receive Zakat?
Zakat if utilized effectively is an important source of the stability of society and create a just balance between the Rich and the Poor.
The Essence of Zakat: Fostering Equity and Compassion in Our Communities
In the heart of our shared Islamic faith lies a profound pillar, Zakat, a timeless tradition that enriches our souls and unites our community in a circle of care, compassion, and shared responsibility. As a beacon of hope for the vulnerable and a testament to our faith's commitment to social justice, Zakat is much more than a religious obligation—it is a pathway to building a more equitable society.
Understanding Zakat: A Divine Obligation
Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is not merely a charitable contribution but a mandated act of worship, a purification of wealth, and a means to acknowledge that everything we possess is a blessing from Allah (SWT). It requires Muslims who meet the necessary criteria to donate a specific portion of their wealth—2.5% of their savings—to those in need, annually. This divine decree is designed to remind us of the importance of empathy, generosity, and the interconnectedness of our lives with those around us.
The Impact of Zakat: Fostering an Equitable Society
Imagine a world where no one is left behind, where the wealth of the affluent becomes a lifeline for those in despair. Zakat envisions such a world. By redistributing wealth from those who have more to those who have less, Zakat plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty, reducing inequality, and ensuring a dignified life for everyone in our community. It helps fund educational programs, healthcare services, and social welfare initiatives, thereby weaving a safety net that catches those falling through the cracks of society's structures.
The Rewards of Fulfilling Zakat: Spiritual and Social Harmony
The act of giving Zakat purifies our wealth, cleanses our hearts of greed, and brings us closer to Allah (SWT). It serves as a constant reminder of the blessings we have and the duty we owe to our fellow brothers and sisters. The rewards for fulfilling this obligation are manifold—ranging from increased provision and protection from calamity to the ultimate reward: Allah's pleasure and the promise of paradise.
Fulfilling our Zakat is an investment in our hereafter, but its impact is also deeply felt in the here and now. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, fosters empathy, and cultivates a culture of mutual support and understanding. By fulfilling this sacred duty, we not only comply with Allah's command but also contribute to the creation of a harmonious and just society.
Let's Fulfill Our Zakat Together
As members of this beautiful Ummah, it's our collective responsibility to uphold the pillar of Zakat and embrace its potential to transform lives. We invite you to reflect on the blessings you've been granted and consider the profound impact your Zakat can have on the lives of the less fortunate.
Our organization is committed to collecting and distributing Zakat in the most effective and transparent manner, ensuring that your contribution reaches those in dire need within our urban vulnerable neighborhoods. To facilitate this sacred duty, we've developed an easy-to-use Zakat calculator on our website, allowing you to accurately calculate and fulfill your Zakat obligation.
We call upon you, with warm hearts and open hands, to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, let's fulfill our obligation, purify our wealth, and sow the seeds of compassion and equity in our communities. Your Zakat has the power to change lives, including your own.
Calculate your Zakat today and take a step towards fulfilling your duty as a Muslim. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world, one act of generosity at a time.
May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts and contributions, and may He continue to guide us on the path of righteousness, compassion, and communal well-being. Ameen.
Who is to Pay Zakat ?
Zakat is an obligation on every financially able Muslim men and women
1. Who are Sahib-e-Nisab i.e. possess a specified limit of wealth.
2. And your wealth (above the Nisab) has been held for a full lunar year
Nisab - the minimum value of wealth one must possess for Zakat to become payable – The lower of the two values are recommended as nisab
87.45 grams of pure gold or its Cash Equivalent ~ ₹ 6274.00 * 87.45 = ₹ 548,661.30 (24ct Gold Rate as on 21/02/2024)
612.36 grams silver or Its Cash Equivalent ~ ₹ 75.70 * 612.36 = ₹ 46,355.652 (Silver Rate as on 21/02/2024)
To know the latest gold rate check here To know the latest silver rate check here
Recipients of Zakat
The Quran has mentioned in detail the people who are eligible to receive Zakat. The Quran says:
“The Alms are only for the poor, the needy, those who collect them, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, to free the captives and the debtors for the cause of Allah and for the travelers, a duty imposed by Allah, Allah is full of knowledge & wisdom.” Al-Tawbah, 9:60
Project Smile volunteers along with the local guides in the slums of Bangalore, do a scrupulous house-to-house survey, and use strict filtering and short listing methods to find out the most deserving families who are eligible for your Zakat. The shortlisted families are then classified into different categories with regards to their specific conditions as below:
Widows/ Single Parents, Orphans, Elderly without support, physically challenged, and needy families silently suffering their daily ordeals. These are the ones who don’t come and beg out of self-respect and are the true recipients of our Zakat
The poor and the destitute people can fall easy prey to many social evils in order to make the two ends meet. Your Zakat is a precious tool to save thousands of such families from endless sufferings.
To know how Project Smile utilises your Zakat and other donations, Please check out our Annual Journal 2019 here Annual Journal 2019-2020 here
How to Calculate Zakat?
At Project Smile, we want to make paying your Zakat as easy as possible, which is why we have created a helpful Zakat calculator for your ease and convenience. Utilize our calculator below to determine the exact amount of Zakat you will need to pay this lunar year
Note: This Zakat Calculator has been approved by Scholars with Merit in Islamic Finance @Rehbar
Things you will need before you start Weight of Gold you posses Weight of Silver you possess Estimated value of Precious Stone you poses Cash (In hand, Bank) Loan amounts (Liable and Receivable) Investments Property held as Investment Balance sheet of your business Value of Saleable/ Dead Stock Livestock(Animals, Poultry and Fishing Fram) Agricultural Produce
ZAKAT CalculatorSo, we hope you’re all clued up about Zakat and ready to fulfil this important Islamic requirement.
If you’re still unsure about your Zakat requirements, Contact us We’ll work with you to discuss any queries or problems you may have.