Zakat is a compulsory act of worship in Islam: giving a fixed share of qualifying wealth, usually 2.5%, to those entitled to receive it. It is not a government tax but a personal religious duty. The word Zakat comes from an Arabic root meaning “to purify” and “to grow” — paying it purifies the rest of one’s wealth.

Zakat is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mentioned alongside prayer more than eighty times in the Quran. It supports people in genuine need, reduces the gap between rich and poor, and builds a habit of regular, disciplined giving.

Zakat versus Sadaqah: Zakat is obligatory, calculated using fixed rules, and paid once a year on wealth above a minimum threshold (Nisab), with strict eligibility rules for recipients. Sadaqah is voluntary, can be given at any time in any amount, and has no restriction on recipient.

Because Zakat is a religious obligation, an incorrect calculation is not just a maths error — paying too little means the obligation has not been fully met. This course builds a clear, step-by-step approach to calculating Zakat correctly across every category of wealth.

Knowledge check: What percentage of qualifying wealth is typically given as Zakat? Name one difference between Zakat and Sadaqah. Which Pillar of Islam is Zakat?

Model answers: Usually 2.5% of qualifying wealth. Zakat is obligatory and calculated using fixed rules; Sadaqah is voluntary with no fixed amount, timing, or recipient restriction. Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam.