22 Jan 2025
The Most Common Zakat Myths
Many Muslims believe incorrect things about Zakat. Correcting these myths ensures you fulfill your obligation properly.
Clear, evidence-led guidance to help you understand Zakat and make confident decisions—step by step.
Understand the basic concept of zakat so that you can fullfil your obligations with confidence and without doubt.
Article
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, a mandatory act of worship that purifies wealth and supports the community.
Article
Zakat exists to purify wealth and create a just society. It is a command from Allah with deep spiritual and social benefits.
Article
Not everyone must pay Zakat. You must meet four specific conditions before Zakat becomes obligatory.
Article
Zakat becomes due after you have held qualifying wealth above nisab for one full lunar year.
Article
Your Zakat goes to eight specific categories of people. The Quran defines exactly who can receive it.
Article
Zakat and Sadaqah are both forms of giving in Islam, but they are fundamentally different. One is obligatory, the other is voluntary.
Article
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth you must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. It is based on the value of gold or silver.
Article
The nisab can be calculated using gold or silver. The two values differ significantly, and your choice affects whether Zakat is due.
Learn which types of wealth are subject to zakat and how to assess them accurately.
Article
Not all wealth is subject to Zakat. Islam defines specific types of wealth that must be included in your calculation, and others that are exempt.
Article
Cash and savings are the most common forms of zakatable wealth. If you have money in the bank or at home, it is likely subject to Zakat.
Article
Shares, stocks, pensions, and cryptocurrency are zakatable if they meet certain conditions. Zakat applies to modern wealth just as it does to traditional assets.
Article
Property and business assets are zakatable if they are held for profit. Your main home and personal belongings are exempt.
Article
Debts can reduce the amount of Zakat you owe, but not all debts are treated the same way. Understanding the rules helps you calculate correctly.
Article
All cash and money in bank accounts is counted when calculating Zakat. This includes current accounts and savings accounts.
Article
Foreign currency is zakatable. Convert its value to your local currency on your Zakat date and include it in your calculation.
Understand how debts and liabilities affect your zakat calculation and what can be deducted.
Article
Debts can reduce the amount of Zakat you owe, but not all debts are treated the same way. Understanding the rules helps you calculate correctly.
Article
Zakat calculation treats short-term and long-term debts differently. Know the difference to calculate accurately.
Article
Long-term debts like mortgages and student loans are treated differently. You cannot deduct the full amount when calculating Zakat.
Article
Immediate debts are obligations you must pay within the next year. These can be deducted from your zakatable wealth.
Article
Student loans (in the UK) are usually not deductible because repayment depends on income and they may be written off. Scholars differ on this.
66 articles
22 Jan 2025
Many Muslims believe incorrect things about Zakat. Correcting these myths ensures you fulfill your obligation properly.
22 Jan 2025
Yes, Zakat is due every lunar year (hawl) as long as you are above nisab. It is an annual obligation.
22 Jan 2025
Yes, every Muslim who meets the Zakat conditions pays Zakat individually. Gender does not matter—each person is responsible for their own wealth.
22 Jan 2025
Inflation does not change how Zakat is calculated, but it can affect the nisab value over time. Use current prices on your Zakat date.
22 Jan 2025
Yes, money owed to you (receivables) is zakatable if you reasonably expect to receive it.
22 Jan 2025
If your total wealth is below nisab, Zakat is not due. You must have wealth above the threshold before Zakat becomes obligatory.
22 Jan 2025
Yes, Zakat can be paid in installments if needed, but the full amount must be paid and not forgotten.
22 Jan 2025
Delaying Zakat without a valid reason is not permitted. It must be paid promptly once due.
22 Jan 2025
Zakat is due once per year, but you can pay it in installments if needed. However, you must ensure the full amount is paid.
22 Jan 2025
No, Zakat is not due on your main residence. Your home is for personal use, not trade.
25 Dec 2025
After using a calculator
21 Jan 2025
Many people misunderstand how online calculators work. Knowing what the calculator does (and does not do) helps you use it correctly.