Zakat Policy
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a form of obligatory charity that every financially stable Muslim must give each year. The word “Zakat” means purification and growth. When you give Zakat, you are not just helping others, but you are also purifying your own wealth and bringing blessings into your life.
It is a system that Islam created to make sure that wealth does not stay in the hands of a few people. Instead, it flows from those who have more to those who have less, creating balance and care in society.
Zakat in Islam
Allah has mentioned Zakat directly in the Quran alongside Salah (prayer) in more than 30 places. This shows how important it is in the eyes of Allah.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said that Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim who owns wealth above the Nisab (minimum threshold) for one full lunar year. It is not optional,it is a duty and a right of the poor over the wealth of the rich.
Who Must Pay Zakat?
Zakat becomes obligatory on a Muslim when the following conditions are met:
- Muslim: Only Muslims are required to pay Zakat.
- Nisab (Minimum Wealth): You must own wealth equal to or more than the Nisab value. Nisab is calculated based on the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
- One Lunar Year (Hawl): You must have owned this wealth for one complete Islamic year.
- Full Ownership: The wealth must be fully yours with no outstanding debt on it.
- Adult & Sane: Most scholars agree that the person should be an adult and of sound mind.
If all these conditions are met, you are required to give 2.5% of your total savings and wealth as Zakat.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
Allah has clearly defined eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat in the Quran:
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor (Al-Fuqara), the needy (Al-Masakin), administrators of Zakat (Al-Amilina Alayha), for bringing hearts together (Al-Mu’allafati Qulubuhum), freeing captives (Fi al-Riqab), debtors (Al-Gharimin), for the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah), and travelers (Ibn al-Sabil)” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60)
In simple words, Zakat can be given to people who are poor and struggling, those who are in debt and cannot repay, people who are stranded and need help to get home, and those working sincerely in the path of Allah.
What Can Zakat Be Used For?
Zakat must be used for the direct benefit of eligible people. It can be used to provide food and basic necessities, pay off someone’s debt, support a poor student’s education, provide medical help to someone who cannot afford it, and help a struggling family get back on their feet.
Zakat cannot be used for building construction, administrative costs, or any purpose that does not directly benefit an eligible recipient.
How Support for Humanity Manages Your Zakat
At Support for Humanity, we treat your Zakat as a trust because that is exactly what it is.
- Separate Zakat Fund: Your Zakat is never mixed with general donations or sadaqah. We maintain a completely separate Zakat fund to make sure your religious obligation is fulfilled correctly.
- Shariah-Compliant Process: Our Zakat distribution process is guided by qualified Islamic scholars. Every step, from collection to distribution, follows Islamic law.
- Verified Beneficiaries: Before anyone receives Zakat from us, our team carefully verifies that the person meets Islamic criteria. We do not distribute Zakat without proper verification.
- Direct Distribution: We make sure your Zakat reaches the deserving people directly and as quickly as possible, without unnecessary delays.
- Full Transparency & Reporting: We maintain complete records of all Zakat collected and distributed. You can request a report at any time. We believe you have every right to know where your Zakat went.
Our Promise to You
You give your Zakat with faith and trust. We take that responsibility with full seriousness. Support for Humanity is committed to making sure that every single amount of your Zakat reaches someone who truly deserves it in a way that is honest, transparent, and completely in line with the teachings of Islam.
Your Zakat. Our Responsibility.