Foundations of the religionA pillar of Islam

Zakah

الزكاة

A set share of wealth, given each year to those Allah named, that purifies the wealth and the soul.

Quran

Explained

The third pillar is zakah: a set share of wealth that has reached the minimum (nisab) and been held for a full lunar year, given to those the Quran names as its recipients. The Quran joins it to the prayer again and again (2:43), and tells the Prophet ﷺ to take it from their wealth to purify and cleanse them (9:103).

On money, gold, silver and trade goods it is a quarter of a tenth. The Zakat calculator works it out, with the rulings and the points where the schools differ beside it.

Evidence

QuranAl-Baqara (The Cow)Quran 2:43

وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرْكَعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ ٤٣

And establish prayer and give zakāh[24] and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

Translator's notes

[24] An annual expenditure for the benefit of the Islāmic community (see 9:60) required of those Muslims who have excess wealth. Prayer and zakāh are among the pillars of Islām.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

43. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and bow down (or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with Ar-Raki‘ûn[11].

[11] (V.2:43) Ar-Râki‘ûn: Those who bow down or submit themselves with obedience to Allâh with Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as the Muslims have done, i.e., embrace Islâm (worshipping none but Allâh Alone and doing good with the only intention of seeking Allâh’s Pleasure).

Read in context on Quran.com
QuranAt-Tawba (The Repentance)Quran 9:103

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَوٰتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ١٠٣

Take, [O Muḥammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allāh's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

103. Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allâh for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them; and Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

Read in context on Quran.com
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