Zakat is an Arabic word that means “Cleansing”, Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam, this make Payment of Zakat Compulsory to every Muslim as annual tax categorized into two:
- Zakatul Fitr
- Zakatul Mali
Zakatul Mali
Zakatul mali means to pay 2.5 percentage of the earnings or belongings. Every Muslim must pay 2.5% annually of his or her earning deducted from profits made from business calculated at the end of financial year, and or 2.5% share for those who own properties, expensive jewelries, farmers of plants and animals, salary earners, pension earners, any permissible form of earning.
Zakatul Fitr
Zakatul Firt means to give 2.5 kilograms of measurements from foods eaten often during fasting the holy month of Ramadan for every head of family members including unborn baby still in the womb of its mother on the following conditions:
- This Zakat must be paid with in the Month of Ramadan for example starting second Ten days until last day of fasting but not exceed Eid Prayer. meaning as soon as Eid Al-Fitri Congregation is finished, no Zakat Al-fitri anything that is paid is not considered Zakatul fitr But Sadaqt as we shall see. so you Must pay your with in prescribed time as mentioned here that during holy Month of Ramadan until Morning before Salatul Eid Al-fitr.
- Must be paid from only Halaal foods meaning permissible foods and drinks.
- Must be paid from foods acquired through Halaal means, not from stolen or taken by force foods and drinks.
- Must be a Muslim.
Notice: If you have been eating rice, flour, maize meal, meat, beans, sugar, in the holy month of Ramadan, choose one of those foods and give 2.5 kilograms for each head of your family members.
Family members means people under your care including house maids, garden cleaners, wife(s) Children, parents, any one under your care stays in the same house or stays in different location.
For example if you choose to give Zakatul Fitr
Paying Zakat Monthly & Annually
Its Permissible to pay Zakat Monthly by Calculating only 2.5% of your monthly earning then save that money aside until financial year, invite Zakat collectors from responsible administration to help you calculate your zakat and confirm payment upon issuing a receipt as evidence of payment of Zakat.
Also , those who pay Zaka may decide to do so on monthly basis without fore the end of of year. after calculating monthly earnings and determine profits, then take out 2.5% and give it to those responsible for Zakat collection who must issue a receipt or any form of proof of receiving Zakat from you dates and place recorded.
2.5% Zakat is compulsory from the following :
- Pro