Zakat: how to calculate it and who to give it to

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam: an obligatory alms that purifies wealth and supports those in need. This guide explains Zakat al-Maal (on savings), Zakat al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and how Zakat differs from Sadaqah.

What is Zakat?

Zakat (زكاة) is a mandatory yearly contribution on a Muslim's wealth that exceeds a minimum threshold, the nisab, and has been held for one full lunar year, the hawl. It is intended for the eight categories of recipients named in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60), including the poor and the needy.

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Zakat al-Maal: the conditions

• Being Muslim, adult and of sound mind (according to most schools).
• Owning at least the nisab: the value of 85 grams of gold (or 595 grams of silver according to some opinions).
• Holding it for one lunar year (about 354 days).

Zakatable assets include cash, current and savings accounts, gold and silver, and goods held for sale. Your main home, car and personal belongings are not subject to Zakat.

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How to calculate Zakat al-Maal

1. Add up cash, bank balances, savings, gold and silver, and business stock.
2. Subtract debts due in the short term.
3. Compare the total with the nisab: 85 × today's price of one gram of gold.
4. If the total has exceeded the nisab for a lunar year, multiply it by 2.5%.

Example: €12,000 of savings held for a year, above the nisab, gives a Zakat of 12,000 × 0.025 = €300.

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Zakat al-Fitr: the end-of-Ramadan Zakat

Zakat al-Fitr is due from every Muslim who can afford it, for themselves and for each dependant (children included). It traditionally equals one sa' of staple food (about 2.5 to 3 kg of rice, wheat or dates) and must be given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. Many scholars allow it to be paid a few days before Eid.

In Belgium, the reference amount in euros is announced every year before the end of Ramadan by mosques and Muslim religious bodies. Check with your local mosque for the current year's amount.

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Zakat vs Sadaqah

Zakat is obligatory, calculated (2.5%) and reserved for specific recipients. Sadaqah is a voluntary gift with no set amount or timing, which can benefit anyone in need. Sadaqah Jariyah is Sadaqah whose benefit lasts over time, such as a water well.

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Giving your Zakat through Duha Amanah

Duha Amanah VZW, a Belgian humanitarian organisation based in Vilvoorde and active in Brussels, will redistribute Zakat to eligible families with transparent follow-up. You can donate online: donate now.

This guide is for information only. For a specific situation (debts, business, complex assets), consult an imam or a trusted scholar.