Obligatory Charity (Zakat)

It is 2.5% of our net income, which means our income after taxes. We give it each time income reaches us. God tells us to “give the due alms on the day of harvest” [6:141]. The footnote to that verse gives the share: ‘The proportion that came to us through Abraham is 2.5% of our net income.’ And the footnote to 7:156 adds that it ‘must be given away upon receiving any income’. So on a net payment of 1,000, the obligatory charity is 25. It is due every time.

On income, as it arrives. The rule is tied to the day of harvest, not to a yearly count of everything we own. God says: “give the due alms on the day of harvest” [6:141]. The footnote there says Zakat must be given ‘On the day we receive income’. And Appendix 15 says that whenever we receive net income, we must set aside 2.5% and give it. As we read it, money already in savings was income once. If we gave the 2.5% on the day it arrived, it has already been given. What we look at is each new payment as it comes in.

Because God ties it to the day the income comes in: He tells us to “give the due alms on the day of harvest” [6:141]. The footnote to that verse says that the corrupted Muslims ‘have lost this most important commandment; they give Zakat only once a year.’ It then says Zakat must be given away ‘On the day we receive income.’ As we see it, there is a practical blessing in this too. A small share given each payday becomes a habit. The money goes out before we get used to having it, so it never has to compete with everything else.

No. Only taxes come off. Rent, mortgage, loans and living costs are paid from the other 97.5%. Appendix 15 is explicit: ‘Government taxes should be deducted, but not other expenses such as debts, mortgages, and living expenses.’ As we read it, this is part of the wisdom. Almost everyone has some debt. If debts came off first, many people would never give. The share is small so that it can be given even in hard times. If, after taxes, we have no income at all, then 2.5% of nothing is nothing.

We start with the next income that arrives, and give 2.5% each time from now on. As we read it, we also make an honest effort to catch up on what we can. For the past, a reasonable estimate is enough: roughly what our net income was, and 2.5% of it. We can give it gradually if a lump sum is too much. God says: “GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means” [2:286]. And He teaches us to pray: “Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes.” [2:286] We also ask God's forgiveness. God tells His messenger to proclaim: “O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins.” [39:53]

Only for a short time. We set it aside the same day and give it as soon as we can. God ties the share to the day of harvest [6:141], and Appendix 15 says that whenever we receive net income, we set aside 2.5% and give it. It adds that Zakat must be ‘given away on a regular basis whenever we receive any income.’ If we know no one in need, Appendix 15 gives the answer: we may give the Zakat ‘to a mosque or charitable organization with the distinct purpose of helping poor people.’ What we should not do is let it sit for months, or mix it back into our spending.

Yes. God names parents first, then relatives, before anyone else. He says: “The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien.” [2:215] And the footnote to 7:156 says the obligatory charity goes to these people ‘in this order’. As we read it, the charity is meant for those in need, so a parent or relative who is comfortable does not need our Zakat. The obligatory charity also does not pay our own household's everyday costs. We already owe those to our spouse and children. But a mother or brother who is struggling comes before a stranger.

Not as Zakat. Those are good causes for our voluntary charity, but Appendix 15 says ‘Charities given to mosques or hospitals or organizations cannot be considered Zakat.’ There is one exception. If we do not know anyone in need, the same appendix says we may give the Zakat ‘to a mosque or charitable organization with the distinct purpose of helping poor people.’ Then the organization passes it on to people in need. So the rule is simple. The obligatory charity goes to people in need. Buildings and projects are supported from our voluntary charity.

A traveler who is far from home and in need. God names the traveling alien among those who should receive our charity, again and again. They are the last of the five: “the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien.” [2:215] And God says: “You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.” [17:26] As we read it, this can be anyone far from home without the means to manage: a traveler, a newcomer, someone who has had to flee. They may have had enough at home, but here they are in need.