Zakat
زكاة
Pronunciation: zah-KAHT
One of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory annual 2.5% charitable contribution on qualifying wealth.
Definition
One of the Five Pillars of Islam. An obligatory annual charitable contribution of 2.5% of qualifying wealth above the Nisab threshold. Applies to cash, gold, silver, investments, business assets (inventory and receivables), and other forms of wealth held for one full lunar year (Hawl). Zakat is not a tax or donation — it is a religious obligation and a right of the poor in the wealth of those who are financially able.
There are eight categories of eligible Zakat recipients defined in the Quran (9:60). Zakat purifies wealth, promotes social welfare, and reduces inequality. HalalWallet's Zakat Calculator helps U.S. Muslims accurately calculate their annual obligation.
Related Terms
Nisabنصاب
The minimum wealth threshold above which zakat becomes obligatory — equivalent to 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.
Hawlحول
One full lunar year — the holding period after which zakat becomes obligatory on qualifying wealth.
Zakat al-Fitrزكاة الفطر
A special charitable contribution required at the end of Ramadan, paid per person in the household.
Sadaqahصدقة
Voluntary charitable giving — distinct from obligatory zakat.
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Quick Answer
Zakat (زكاة) — One of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory annual 2.5% charitable contribution on qualifying wealth. One of the Five Pillars of Islam. An obligatory annual charitable contribution of 2.5% of qualifying wealth above the Nisab threshold.
Key Takeaways
- One of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory annual 2.5% charitable contribution on qualifying wealth.
- Category: Zakat
- Related: Nisab, Hawl, Zakat al-Fitr, Sadaqah
- Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-03-06
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