What is Zakat?

Zakat (almsgiving) is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a compulsory act that requires Muslims who have wealth at or over a certain threshold (nisab) to donate a portion of it, usually 2.5%, to eligible recipients.

The Quran says of zakat that,

‘Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salat (prayer), and give zakat (charity), they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.’

[Quran 2:277]

How does Invitation To Islam (ITI) distribute your zakat?

ITI distributes your zakat to the poor and needy people in  Africa. Among the people ITI gives zakat to are:

          •   Widows

          •   Orphans

          •   New Muslims

          •   Disabled people

          •   Teachers (du’aats)

          •   Students of knowledge

          •   Imams of masjids in remote areas

          •   Other eligible people

The amount of zakat people receive varies depending on their situation; for example, a widow with children will receive more zakat than a widow without children.

How is zakat calculated?

The threshold (nisab), is set at either 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

To ascertain the current monetary equivalent of the threshold (nisab), it is necessary to establish the market rate for a gram of gold and silver.

For example, if the current market rate for gold is £41.37 per gram, then the monetary equivalent of the threshold (nisab) would be £3619.05 (£41.37 x 87.48g). Therefore, any wealth in possession for one (lunar) year that exceeds the threshold (nisab) of £3619.05 would be subject to zakat.

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