Learn about Zakat in Quran and Hadith. Discover key verses and prophetic sayings, its rates and recipients, and calculate your Zakat with our free tool.
Introduction
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a divinely ordained system of wealth purification and social justice. Mentioned repeatedly in the Quran and emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in numerous Hadith, Zakat is not merely charity—it is a compulsory act of worship. This guide explores what the Quran and Hadith teach about Zakat, its spiritual significance, and how Muslims today can fulfill this sacred duty.
1. What Is Zakat?
The word Zakat comes from the Arabic root zakā, meaning to purify or to grow. It is an annual obligation requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their qualifying wealth to those eligible, helping purify the giver’s heart from greed while supporting society’s most vulnerable.
2. Zakat in the Quran
The Quran pairs Zakat with Salah (prayer) more than 30 times, showing its central role in Islamic life. Below are key verses:
a) Spiritual Purification
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase…”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
This verse shows that Zakat cleanses wealth and the soul, turning material giving into spiritual elevation.
b) Essential to Faith
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110)
The Quran places Zakat side by side with prayer, indicating that faith without giving is incomplete.
c) Support for the Needy
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, for freeing captives, for those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler…”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
This verse defines the eight categories of recipients, ensuring Zakat serves genuine community needs.
3. Zakat in the Hadith
The Hadith provide practical instructions and underscore Zakat’s significance:
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Pillar of Islam
“Islam is built upon five: testifying there is no god but Allah… establishing prayer, paying Zakat…”
(Bukhari & Muslim) -
Protection from Calamity
“Protect your wealth by giving Zakat, heal your sick through charity, and prepare for trials with supplication.”
(Tabarani) -
Neglect Brings Accountability
“Whoever is made wealthy and does not pay Zakat, on the Day of Judgment his wealth will become a bald-headed snake…”
(Bukhari)
These Hadith remind Muslims that Zakat is a duty, not a favor, with both reward and consequence.
4. Wisdom Behind Zakat
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Purification of Soul & Wealth: It removes greed and love of materialism.
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Social Justice: It redistributes wealth, bridging the gap between rich and poor.
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Economic Balance: Circulates money in society, preventing hoarding.
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Spiritual Growth: Strengthens faith and dependence on Allah.
5. How to Calculate Your Zakat
Muslims are required to pay 2.5% of their Zakatable assets (gold, silver, cash, savings, investments) once they reach the Nisab threshold.
Use our Zakat Calculator to ensure accurate calculations and timely payment.
6. Modern Application
Whether you live in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, or the Americas, Zakat remains relevant. Supporting education funds, medical aid, refugee relief, and local food programs aligns perfectly with Quranic guidance.
Conclusion
The Quran and Hadith present Zakat as a cornerstone of Islamic faith—an act that purifies wealth, uplifts the needy, and strengthens the entire Ummah. By giving Zakat, you fulfill a divine command and bring blessings to your life and community.
👉 Ready to fulfill this obligation?
Use our free Zakat Calculator to calculate your exact amount and give with confidence.