Ramadhaan – A Date with Dr. Zakir
Episode - 17
Zakaah
[Part – 1]
(Duration: 48 minutes)
Yusuf Chambers: Dear brothers and sisters in Islam and Humanity, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, may the peace, the mercy & the blessings of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) be upon all of you. Welcome to the show Ramadhaan - A Date with Dr. Zakir, I am your host, Yusuf Chambers, and today we will discuss the topic ‘Zakaah, Part 1’. Dr. Zakir, Assalamu Alaikum!
Dr. Zakir: Wa Alaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Yusuf Chambers: It is incredibly important part of Ramadhaan, the Zakaah, the pour due its sometimes translated and this is really the first point of order today which is to discuss the meaning of the Term Zakaat, sometimes Zakaah and to discuss if we could some of the significance of the term Zakaat in Islam?
Dr. Zakir: Alhumdulillah was salaatu was salaam ala rasoolillah wa ala aalihi wa ashaabihi wa ajma’een. Amma Ba’ad
A’uzu billahi minash shaytan nir-rajeem,
Bismillah hirrahman nirraheem,
Rabbish rahli Şadri Wa Yassir Li 'Amri Wa Ahlul `Uqdatan Min Lisani Yafqahu Qawli
As far as the literal meaning of the word Zakaat is concerned Zakaat is derived from the word ‘Zaka’ which means to purify, which means to increase, it also means blessings and goodness. So Zakaah means purifications or cleanliness, increase, it means goodness, it means blessings.
In Islamic Shariah, Zakaah is an obligatory charity which every Muslim who has a saving or a surplus wealth which has reached the Nisaab level or above that and stays with him for one complete lunar year or one Hijri year, he should give Zakaat on that surplus wealth which is most of the times 2½ %. This is the Shariah, Islamic, meaning of it.
And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says in the Quran in Surah Tawbah ch. no. 9 verse no. 103
“Take alms or give charity, give Zakaah from the wealth so that it will purify and sanctify them.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Room ch. no. 30 verse no. 39
“Those who give gifts in order that it will increase their property through the gifts of the other person’s property, it will have no increase with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)…..But those who give charity seeking the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), they will find a increase there.”
And Zakaat is one of the pillars of Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari Vol. no. 1 in the Book of Eemaan Book of Faith Hadith no. 8, Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that
“Islam is based on 5 principals, the first is La ila ha ill Allah Muhammadur Rasoolullah, there is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Messenger of Allah.
The second is establishing Salaah
Third is giving Zakaat i.e. obligatory charity
The fourth is performing Hajj and
Fifth is Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan”
Which all of us are doing Alhumdulillah now. So Zakaat is one of the important pillars of Islam. There are various verses of
Zakaat which tell us what Zakaat is even various Hadith which gives the significance in Islam.
Allah says in Surah Anfaal ch. no. 8 verse no. 3 and 4 that
Zakaat is a sign of belief, it says that
“All those who believe and establish Salaah and give Zakaat, they are the true believers.”
It means Zakaat is a sign of true belief. And our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in
Sahih Muslim Vol. no. 4 (Book of Birr) Hadith no. 6264, he said that
“When you give charity, it does not decrease the wealth and if a servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), if he forgives, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) increases his respect. And if he shows humility then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) raises his status in the eyes of the people.”
So charity does not decrease the wealth it rather increases the wealth. And by Zakaat there is unity and brotherhood among the Muslim Ummah. The full Muslim Ummah, throughout the world is like one family and a person cares for the others, the rich men they give Zakaat to the poor and they feel that as though they are a part of one family and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said its mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari Vol. no. 1 in the Book of Salaah Hadith no. 481, Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that
“One Faithful believer to another faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall, they support each other like the bricks of a wall and he interlaced his fingers of his hands like that.”
So it brings unity in the Muslim Ummah and there is one more verse in the Qur’an which describes Zakaat in a nutshell, Allah says in
Surah Al Hashr ch. no. 59 verse no. 7, speaking about Zakaat that
“It prevents the wealth from circulating amongst the rich.”
So there is a sort of an economic order in Islam, Zakaat.
Yusuf Chambers: Dr. Zakir could you tell me and for the benefit of the viewers today, how does Zakaat help in maintaining the economy of a given society.
Dr. Zakir: As far as economy of a society concerned unlike capitalism or socialism the economic order of Islam is based on the principal that everything in this earth, everything in the universe belongs to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). He is the owner of everything in the universe and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher and the Owner of everything that exists in this world and in the universe, based on this principal,
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Noor ch. no. 24 verse no. 33 that
“Give in charity out of the means which Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) provided you, it is Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)’s wealth and Allah has made us trusties, Allah is asking us to give out of the means He has provided us”
Allah repeats the message in Surah Hadid ch. no. 57 verse no. 7 that
“Give out of the sustenance which Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has made you a heir of”
What Allah has given you the property, the substance, give out of that. So we as human beings are the trustees or vicegerent of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). So it is the wealth of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) that’s the reason we have to spend it and earn the wealth according to the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) since it belongs to Him. And there are various guidelines given in the Qur’an how the wealth should be earned and distributed and spent.
As far as how the wealth should be earned there are various prohibitions that you cannot earn this way otherwise everything is Halaal.
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 278 and 279 that
“Give up your demands of Riba, Riba is interest, its usury and those who give up not their demands of Riba, usury and interest take notice of a war from Allah and His Rasool”
So earning through Riba, through usury, through interest is Haraam. It is one of the biggest sins as far as earning is concerned. And Allah further says in the Qur’an that you cannot earn through bribing
Allah says in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 188 that
“Use not your wealth as a bait for judges in order you may eat other person’s wealth.”
So using your money to bribe people that you may earn more wealth is prohibited in Islam.
Similarly stealing and robbing is prohibited, Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Maidah ch. no. 5 verse no. 38
“As to the thief be it man or a woman chop of his or her hand as a punishment from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)”
So earning or robbing is prohibited.
Furthermore Allah says in the Qur’an in
Surah Maidah ch. no. 5 verse no. 90
“Ya ayyuha allazeena amanoo”
“O you who believe”
“innamal khamru walmaysiru”
“Most certainly intoxicants and gambling”
“wal-ansabu wal-azlamu”
“Dedications of stones, Divination of arrows”
“rijsun min amalish shaytan”
“These are Satan’s handiwork”
“faijtaniboohu la allakum tuflihoon”
“Abstain from this handiwork that you may prosper.”
So earning by means of intoxicants, gambling, making idols or fortune telling all these are prohibited in Islam. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) further gives the guidance and
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Noor ch. no. 24 verse no. 33
that
“Do not force your maids into prostitution, those who want to remain chaste just in order to gain some wealth or goods. But if anyone forces them after this then Allah is Oft Forgiving and Most Merciful.”
But you cannot earn through prostitution and furthermore in
Surah Noor ch. no. 24 verse no. 19
“And those who love scandal to be published and broadcast amongst the believers they will surely get a grievous penalty in this world and in the hereafter.”
That means anyone who likes to publicize or broadcast scandals amongst the believers, it is prohibited and further
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Nisa ch. no. 4 verse no. 2 that
“Give to the orphans their property once they become adult.”
Means if you are a guardian, to the property of an orphan give it to them when they mature and do not exchange your good s which are useless with their goods which are good. And neither do mix up your goods with their goods, all those who do this, they are doing a great sin.
So there are various things mentioned in the Qur’an, that you cannot earn by means of Riba, interest or by bribing or by robbing or alcohol, gambling, idol worship, fortune telling, by prostitution, by scandalist ways or by eating the orphans property this is a guidelines given by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) which you find in the other world, today in the modern world, all this is very common. And Allah also gives us a way, gives us guidelines how to spend the wealth.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 261
“If anyone spends one grain in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), Allah will give him seven ears, each ear bearing hundred grains.”
That means Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says that if you spend in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), Allah will give you 700 times profit. In business terminology Allah will give you 70,000% profit. In which business will you get 70,000% profit? And Allah continues and says that he will give you multiple times more.
So the best way to spend is in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), it is charity.
Allah further repeats the message in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 271 that
“If you disclose the charity that you give it is well but if you conceal it and make it reach those people who are needy that is the best for you, it will cover up your sins and Allah knows.”
Giving charity is good, Allah has given you permission to disclose it also to tell it to others but the best is to disclose it.
Allah says in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 277
“As to those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayers and they give charity i.e. Zakaat, they will receive the reward from their Lord. And on them shall be no fear and they shall not have any penalty.”
Allah says in Surah Dhariyaat ch. 51 verse no. 9, Allah says
“And give charity to those who ask and even to those who are prevented from asking.”
That if you know the person deserves if he is needy, if he is poor whether he asks or he does not ask yet give him charity. I’d like to mention one more verse
Allah says in Surah Nisa ch. no. 4 verse no. 36 that
“Serve Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and join not gods with Him and be good to your parents and the kin folk and the relatives and to the orphans those who are in need and to the neighbors those who are near you and to the neighbors those who are strangers as well as to the wayfarer. And to what your right hand possess.”
So Allah gives a category of people you should be good to and Allah gives a warning in the Qur’an in
Surah Tawbah ch. no. 9 verse no. 34 and 35 that
“As to those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) announce to them a grievous penalty and in the hereafter the wealth which they hoarded, it will be taken and it will be heated in the fire of hellfire……The gold that they hoarded it will be heated in the hellfire and with it they will be branded on their forehead, on their flangs and on their back and it will be told to them that taste the wealth you hoarded.”
That’s the reason Zakaat has been prescribed for the Muslims and Allah says in
Surah Al Hashr ch. 59 verse no. 7 that
“It prevents the wealth from circulating amongst the rich.”
If every rich human being in the world gives Zakaat, poverty will be eradicated form this world; there will not be a single human being who will die of hunger.
Yusuf Chambers: Dr. Zakir could you further more explain that what are the particular conditions that make Zakaah or Zakaat an obligation upon the Muslims.
Dr. Zakir: Zakaat is compulsory on every Muslim irrespective whether it’s a man or a woman whether adult or minor whether sane or insane as long as he is a free citizen and he has surplus wealth or savings which has reached the Nisaab level or above it and he has that wealth or surplus amount of saving for one complete Hijri year or lunar year then Zakaat becomes compulsory on that particular Muslim and most of the time in most of the cases it is 2.5%. So basically there are few conditions required:
No. 1 that person should be a Muslim. Irrespective whether male or female, young or old, sane insane doesn’t matter…..Muslim
No. 2, he should be a free citizen
No. 3 he should be a Saheb-e-Nisaab that means he should be the soul owner of that surplus wealth. Above the basic requirement whatever saving he has got, whatever surplus he has got he should be the sole owner, it should not belong to somebody else and it should be with him for one complete lunar year or Hijri year as its mentioned in the Hadith of
Tirmidhi Hadith no. 631 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that
“Zakaat is payable on the property but natural which is surplus on the wealth which a person possesses and has with him for one year.”
And the last criteria is that Zakaat is paid from lawful earnings, it should be from Halaal earnings. As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in
Sunan Nasai (Book of Zakaat) Hadith no. 2525 where the beloved Prophet said that
“Prayer without cleanliness is not accepted. Same Zakaat without lawful earnings is not accepted.”
So the Zakaat that you give should be from lawful earnings that is the requirement.
And if it’s a minor or if it’s an insane person, the person who is the guardian of the wealth of that insane person or the minor person, he should pay Zakaat on behalf of that insane or minor person on his wealth.
Yusuf Chambers: I see. Dr. Zakir, you mentioned the term Nisaab, could you explain to the viewers what the term means and furthermore the understanding is that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has only made Zakaat incumbent upon the person who has reached the Nisaab level. Could you also explain what is the implication if that?
Dr. Zakir: As far as the word Nisaab is concerned, Nisaab is an amount laid down by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), the minimum amount that when it reaches and it keeps on changing on different properties. When it reaches that level on which Zakaat is compulsory then that minimum level is called as the Nisaab. And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has made it compulsory that Zakaat should be given only when a person reaches Nisaab is for many reasons
No. 1 those people who are poor they will not be unnecessarily taxed with it, with the Zakaat. And furthermore those who are rich will surely have to pay the Zakaat for their surplus wealth
Secondly it is an insurance against those countries who want to levy a tax on the needy and the poor. So the Nisaab level has been laid down that means you cannot tax a person who is below the Nisaab level so it is insurance in those countries who wants to levy a tax on the needy and the poor.
Furthermore a person who wants to know whether he should pay Zakaat or not so if he knows his surplus wealth, his excusive wealth, has reached the Nisaab level that he knows that he has to pay.
As far as the person who is rich for him, if he is wealthy so all the excess wealth but natural is liable for Zakaat
Nisaab has got 2 requirements no. 1 that it should be above the basic requirements known as ‘Fadil’, above the requirement of human beings so it is besides the clothing shelter lodging boarding all the basic requirements of the human being. If he has surplus wealth or savings then if it reaches the Nisaab level then that is counted for Zakaat. And what is the basic requirement depends upon the Islamic Shariya because if we see today, many of the modern countries for their basic requirement may be luxury for them basic requirement may be very big car or a big mansion may be excessive of food may be alcohol whatever it is so it should be according to the Islamic Guidelines and we are not bothered what does the UNO tell us or what the international Monetary fund tells us or what the security social company tells that what is the basic requirement, it is according to the Islamic Guidelines which is mentioned in the Hadith or etc. if he is above that then… if he reaches the Nisaab level
And secondly it should be with the person for one full year.
As I mentioned earlier our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in the Hadith of
Tirmidhi (Book of Zakaat) Hadith 631, the Prophet said that
“Anyone who posses wealth with him or property but natural reaches the Nisaab level, the surplus wealth for one full year in his possession then he should pay a Zakaat on it.”
There is exception to this rule for farm products as Allah says in
Surah Anaam ch. no. 6 verse no. 141 that
“Give what is due according to what is proper on the day of harvest”
Means if it’s harvest, farm products give it on the same day you don’t have to wait for one year and according to Imam Abadi, he says that there are 2 types of Zakaat, one type of Zakaat is on that goods which cannot be invested, it remains the same talking about farm products that you have to give immediately and that which can be invested whether gold, silver, merchandise so it has to be with you in possession for one year. And after it’s in possession for one year above the Nisaab level then you have to give Zakaat.
Yusuf Chambers: I see. Ok...Thank you for the answer. Next question could you tell us something of the wisdom of Zakaat.
Dr. Zakir: Whenever Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) prescribes anything in the Qur’an but natural it has certain wisdom and many reasons and there are various verse in the Qur’an, in the Hadith in which Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and His messenger has given this wisdom for Zakaat.
No. 1 is to perfect ones faith as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that Zakaat makes your faith perfect and as I mentioned earlier that it is one of the pillars of Islam and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said in
Sahih Bukhari Vol. no. 1 in the Book of Faith Hadith no. 8 that
“Islam is based on 5 pillars. The first is to say that there is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
No. 2 establishing of Salaah
No. 3 is giving of Zakaat
No. 4 is performing Hajj
No. 5 is fasting in the month of Ramadhaan”
So it makes our faith perfect.
No. 2 reason for Zakaat is that it purifies or cleanses our wealth. As one of the meanings of Zakaah is to purify, to clean. So it cleans our wealth form impurities and therefore it makes Halaal for us.
No. 3 is, it increases as the Prophet said its mentioned in
Sahih Muslim Vol. no. 4 (Book of Birr) Hadith no. 6264 that
“Charity does not decrease your wealth.”
Actually it increases your wealth and Zakaat prevents you from calamity, saves you from loss in fire, various other things. So indirectly it increases your wealth and one of the meanings of Zakah is also blessings and goodness
So Point no. 4 Zakaat brings blessings of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)
Point no. 5 is that, it cleanses your character, it makes your character better, it prevents you from being a miser and it makes you a generous person.
Point no. 6 it makes your heart feel good. The thing you love and if you give that especially if you give wealth, it brings the joy in you especially if it is given out of willingness. If it’s not given out of willingness, it’s given out of reluctantly then you won’t feel happy. So it brings the joy in your heart of a person who gives Zakaat.
Furthermore it is a sign of belief, giving Zakaat is a sign of belief and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari Vol. no. 1 in the Book of Faith Hadith no. 13, the beloved Prophet said that
“A Muslim is not a true believer until he wants for his Muslim brother same what he wants for himself.”
And Zakaat will give you a way to paradise, a way to Jannah. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, it’s a Sahih Hadith mentioned in
Sahih Ibn Hibbaan Vol. no. 8 Hadith no. 3438
“A person comes to the Messenger of Allah and tells him that I believe in one God and no other God and believe that Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) is the messenger of God and I establish prayers and I give Zakaat and I fast in the month of Ramadhaan and I stand in prayers in the nights of Ramadhaan, what will happen to me? The Prophet replies you will be among the Siddiqoon, among the pious people and among the Shuhada, among the Martyers.”
So Zakaat…. that is you will be in Paradise. So Zakaat is your way to salvation, it’s a way to Paradise.
Furthermore when you give Zakaat it brings a sense of unity throughout people of the Muslim Ummah and as
Allah says in Surah Qasas ch. no. 28 verse no. 77
“Do thou good as Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has done good to you.”
So it brings a sense of belonging amongst the Muslims of the world and if a rich gives to the poor then he cares for him. A person who Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has blessed with bounties, gives to a person who is needy so it brings a sense of belongingness.
Furthermore point no. 10 when we give Zakaat to the poor, it prevents the poor from revolting towards you. Now the poor may feel that there are rich people in the world who have got beautiful vehicles to travel in, they have got big houses, they have got luxury so it may bring a sort of revolt. The moment you care for them and give them Zakaat the revolt in them is prevented.
Point no. 11 it even prevents stealing and robbing. The person who does not get his basic needs, it may force him to steal or rob. Now when Zakaat is given, the basic need of the poor people are taken care of so it prevents stealing and robbing and in uplifting the whole society.
Point no. 12 it brings sincerity because when we give something which we love we give it away, we can only give it away for a cause which is equally loveable to you or something which is better. So it shows your faith and love in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Therefore the word Sadaqa, the word Sadaqa comes from the word Sidq which means sincerity.
It shows sincereness in a person and
Point no. 13 Zakaat prevents a calamity from the heaven coming down to the earth.
Point no. 14 Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in Sahih Hadith of
Musnad Ahmad (Vol. no. 4) Hadith no. 17333, the beloved Prophet said that
“On the Day of Resurrection, your charity will be a shade for him.”
That means a person who gives charity; it will be shade for him on the day of Resurrection.
Our beloved Prophet also mentioned, it’s mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari vol. no. 1 in the Book of Adhaan Hadith no. 660, the beloved Prophet said that
“On the Day of Resurrection 7 categories of people will have Allah’s shade, the beloved Prophet said that 7 categories of people will have Allah’s shade and His shade will be the only shade that will protect the people and amongst them is one category is those who give charity secretly so that the left hand does not know what the right hand gives.”
So giving charity, giving Zakaat will give you the shade of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) on the Day of Resurrection
Further its mentioned in Silsilaah As Sahihah (Vol. no. 4) Hadith no. 1908, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that
“Charity i.e. Zakaat, charity given in secret extinguishes wrath of the Lord”
And further our beloved Prophet said it’s mentioned in Sahih Hadith of Tirmidhi (Book of Faith) Hadith no. 2616 that
“Zakaat extinguishes sins the same as water extinguishes fire.”
So this was the wisdom why Zakaat has been prescribed for the Muslims by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)
Yusuf Chambers: Furthermore another question which comes to mind is regarding what are the things which Zakaat comes an obligation upon the Muslim.
Dr. Zakir: The things on which Zakaat has to be paid which is binding on a Muslim which becomes obligatory on a Muslim.
No. 1 it is gold, but natural it should reach the Nisaab level then it becomes compulsory
No. 1 is gold
No. 2 is silver
No. 3 is Jewelry and ornaments which contain gold and silver
No. 4 is farm products
No. 5 is the cattle
No. 6 is merchandise and goods of trade
No. 7 is business activities
No. 8 is money or you can say currency notes
And the 9th thing on which Zakaat is compulsory is the stock in trade
These are the nine types of categories of things on which Zakaat is compulsory and binding
Yusuf Chambers: Thank you Dr. Zakir next question to you is regarding the Prophetic tradition that Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam), there is a Nisaab on gold and silver, could you explain that and is it the same in both cases gold and silver?
Dr. Zakir: As far as Nisaab for gold is concerned the Nisaab for gold is 85 grams of gold or 17½ tola gold i.e. 1 tola of gold is equal to 11.33 grams approximately. So 7½ tola of gold is equal to 85 grams of gold so if it reaches that Nisaab level or above this and if it stays with you for one year then Zakaat is compulsory.
Based on the Hadith of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) which is mentioned in
Sunan Abu Dawud in the Book of Zakaat Vol. no. 2 Hadith no. 1568 where the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that
“Zakaat is on you i.e. on gold if it reaches 20 Dinaar.”
Zakaat is not there if its less than 20 Dinaar, if it reaches 20 Dinaar then Zakaat is Fard and one Dinaar is equal to one Miskal. One Miskal is 4 and a quarter grams so 20 by 4 and a quarter comes to 85 grams of gold so the Nisaab level for gold is 85 grams of gold and again it should be with you for one year and the percentage of Zakaat is mentioned in the Hadith of
Ibn Maajah in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1791 its mentioned that
“Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she says that the Prophet used to take half dinaar for every 20 dinaar And one dinaar for every 40 Dinaar. That means 1/40th of the portion or percentage wise 2½%. So whatever gold do you have with you whether 85 grams of gold or above you have to give 2.5% of that gold if it is with you for one year in Zakaat.
As far as Nisaab for silver is concerned it is 595 grams of silver or 52½ tolas of silver and the percentage of Zakaat is the same it is 2½ %.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said in
Sahih Bukhari Vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1447 that
“Zakaat is due on 5 Uqiya of silver”
One Uqiya is equal to 40 dirhams so 5 Uqiya is equal to 200 diraam and 200 diraam is equal to 595 grams or 52½ tola.
So if the silver reaches the Nisaab level, the Nisaab is 595 of gold or 52½ tola. And our beloved Prophet said in
Sunan Abu Dawud Vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1567 that
“Pay 1/40th that means give 1/40th portion in Zakaat”
So even for silver the percentage is 2½% so for gold and silver”
Zakaat percent is 2½ percent, the nisaab level for gold is 85 grams of gold or 7½ tola and for silver the Nisaab is 595 grams of silver or 52½ tola of silver.
Yusuf Chambers: Thank you Dr. Zakir. Relating to the last answer if a person has gold or silver jewelry which they tend to use, do they have to pay Zakaat on that?
Dr. Zakir: As far as paying Zakaat on gold and silver jewelry, if a person is using it there is difference of opinion one group of scholars say that Zakaat may need not be given while the other group of scholars say that Zakaat should be given.
According to the scholars like Imam Malik, Imam Shafi and Imam Ahmad Ibn Humbal, may Allah have mercy on them, all of them say Zakaat need not be given on gold and silver jewelry if it’s being used.
Based on the Hadith of Al Baihaqi where
“Jabir Ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was asked that is Zakaat liable on gold and silver jewelry if it is being used. He said that Zakaat is not liable even if it’s a thousand Dinaar. Means if thousand Dinaar worth of gold then Zakaat is not liable.”
Its mentioned in the Hadith of Baihaqi that
“Asma Bint Abu Bakr, the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) she used to put jewelry on her children, on her daughters and the jewelry was more than 50,000 dinaar of gold but yet she never used to pay Zakaat.”
And another Hadith which is mentioned in
Mawutta Al Malik that
“Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet, she used to take care of her nieces who wore gold jewellery but she never paid Zakaat on that”
So based on this Hadith, all the hadiths are Sahih based on these 3 hadiths and other some Hadith these scholars say that Zakaat need not be given.
But the other group of scholars like Abu Hanifa, Ibn Hazab (may Allah have mercy on them) these group of scholars, they say that Zakaat should be given on gold jewelry even if its worn. And they give various verses of the Quran and the Hadith for example
Allah says in the Quran inSurah Tawbah ch. no. 9 verse no. 34 and 35 that
“As to those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)”
Meaning those who don’t give Zakaat
“Announce to them a grievous penalty and that wealth will be heated in the fire of hell and with that they will be branded on their forehead, on their flanges and on their back and it will be told to them that have the taste of wealth that you hoarded.”
So here it says that anyone who does not give Zakaat, hoard gold and silver, hoard it and don’t give Zakaat he will be branded with fire. So based on this verse in the Quran, they say irrespective whether you are using it or not, you have to pay Zakaat.
And the Hadith of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in
Sahih Muslim Vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 2161 that
“All those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), a plate of fire would be made on the day and they’d be heated in the hellfire and with them they will be branded on their flanges, on the forehead and on their backs.”
And then he recited the verse of the Quran of Surah Ale Imran ch. 3 verse no. 180 that those who do not spent in the way of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)…
And further there is a Hadith of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) which is mentioned in
Sunan Abu Dawud Vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1558 where
“A lady comes along with her daughter wearing 2 heavy bangles of gold and when they approached the Prophet, the Prophet asked that “have you paid Zakaat on that?” they said “No” so the Prophet said that “Do you want Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to put bangles of fire around your hands?” so immediately that lady she removes the bangles and gives it to the Prophet and says “I give it in the way of Allah and His Rasool”
There is another Hadith mentioned in
Sunan Abu Dawud Vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1560
“Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), wife of the Prophet, one day she wears 2 rings of silver and the Prophet enters and sees these 2 rings of silver so he asks her “What is this?” So she says that “I made myself for you, O messenger of Allah” So the Prophet asked her that “did you pay Zakaat?” so she says “No or as Allah wills”. So the Prophet replies “That is sufficient for you to take you to hellfire.”
So based on this Hadith the scholars say that Zakaat is Fard on the jewelry even if it’s worn, if it contains gold and silver.
And the second ruling of the scholars that Zakaat is Fard is more stronger and is more correct though there is difference of opinion but that is more followed by the people and because better give Zakaat rather than stay away from it, it always gets Sawaab in that. Therefore most of the scholars agree in the second view. Though the scholars do differ among the scholars who say Zakaat is not Fard on gold and silver jewelry is Jabar Ibn Abdullah, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Asma Bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them all). Imam Malik, Imam Shafi, Imam Ahmad ibn Humbal (may Allah have mercy on them) these scholars say that Zakaat is not Fard.
But the other group of scholars who say Zakaat is Fard amongst them we have Hazrat Umar Bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), Abdullah Ibn Masood, Abdullah Bin Abbas, we have Sufian Thawry (may Allah be pleased with them all), Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him), Ibn Muntib, Ibn Hazam (may Allah have mercy on them all) Shaikh Uthaymeen, Shaikh Bin Baaz (may Allah have mercy on them all) so all these scholars they say that Zakaat is Fard on gold jewelry if it reaches the Nisaab level, if it doesn’t reach, its not Fard.
And the second view that is Fard is more authentic, it’s more stronger but there is difference of opinion among the scholars.
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair. Dr. Zakir, what is the correct Nisaab for farm produce?
Dr. Zakir: As far as farm produce is concerned, all farm produce are not liable for Zakaat, farm produce such as seeds and fruits, such as wheat, barley, rice, date, raisin, coffee, cocoa, pistachio, cashew all of them, they are liable for Zakaat. And there are 2 Quranic verses that speak about that,
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah ch. no. 2 verse no. 267
“Give of what you have lawfully earned…..
Give of the good things you have earned and the fruits of the earth which we have produced for you.”
It says that give on the farm products
Further it’s mentioned in Surah Anaam ch. no. 6 verse no. 141 that
“What is due, give it proper on the day of harvest.”
On the day of harvest, you have to give it.
The Nisaab for farm produce is 5 ‘Hasaq’ which is equivalent to 612 Kilograms, KGs and which is equivalent to 1346.4 pounds. This is the Nisaab level. If its less than this then you should not give Zakaat. And there are 2 types of farm produce one type which Zakaat is only liable on those farm produce which are used as food and they can be stored naturally without refrigeration as I mentioned wheat rice, barley, cocoa they can be stored, Zakaat is liable on that.
But if it’s a farm produce which is perishable like fruits such as grapes, such as banana, such as mango all of them, they are perishable… Zakaat is not liable on that.
And as I mentioned on farm produce which can be stored, it should be given on the day of harvest and those which are perishable you should not give.
Now there are 2 types of farm produce, one farm produce which does not require any human labor or irrigation and they are watered by the rain water, no human labor is required, no irrigation, on this farm produce 10% Zakaat is liable… 10%, should be given on the day of harvest.
And those on which water is required by the human beings i.e. man made irrigation or labor is required on them 5% Zakaat is liable on the day of harvest. And for those items which are perishable fruits etc. like orange, mango, banana, grapes all of them Zakaat is not liable but if you sell and if you make a profit and if that profit is kept with you for a year and if it reaches above Nisaab level then Zakaat is not liable on that.
Yusuf Chambers: Ok. Dr. Zakir, last question for you today is regarding the Nisaab level or cattle or livestock. Could you say a few words about that?
Dr. Zakir Naik: As far as animal is concerned only those animals that are used for grazing that freely graze and you don’t have to feed them though, no one has to feed them like camels, cows, goat, sheep on them Zakaat is liable. For other animals where the owner has to feed them with hay like horse etc., for them Zakaat is not liable but natural if its sold and if the money is used and if the money is kept and if it reaches above Nisaab level, if it’s kept with you for one year them Zakaat is liable.
But generally directly Zakaat is only on the cattle, camel, cow, goat, sheep and the Nisaab level for camel is 5 camels, for the cow it is 30 and for goat and sheep it is 40 and there is a Hadith of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) its mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari vol. no. 2 in the Book of Zakaat Hadith no. 1454 that
“Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), he said that he will take Zakaat from the people and he gives Allah’s Messenger, he quotes him and says that he said that “for every 5 camels, one sheep should be given.”
The Nisaab for the camel is 5, and for every 5 camels, 1 sheep should be given as Zakaat and as the camels keep on increasing the Zakaat keeps on changing, for the sheep once it reaches 40 then you have to give one sheep, below 40 there is no Zakaat. 40 is the Nisaab level for the sheep. If it reaches 40 then one sheep should be given. Between 40 and 120 it is one sheep. Between 120 and 200 sheep it is 2 sheep. Between 200 and 300 sheep it is 3 sheep and then additionally for every 100 sheep there is one sheep.
This is the Zakaat so the minimum Zakaat, the minimum percentage people think that 2.5% is fixed on everything. On most of the things it is 2.5% but the minimum is if you have 119 sheep, it is one sheep so it comes to about 0.82%.
The lowest Zakaat is on sheep, 0.82% average if it goes about 200-300, it’s 1%. For 300 it is 3, for 200 it is 2 and the average is 2½% for most of the things and the highest as I discussed earlier for farm produce which does not require irrigation, by rain water it is irrigated, for that is 10%. Maximum is 10% for farm produce which require irrigation 5% lowest as I mentioned in cattle, it is 1% or point 82% but majority is 2½%.
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah khair, Dr. Zakir once again for lots and lots of very important information on the topic ‘Zakaat’ and Of course it’s a highly technical subject and I think its taken us a little bit longer to explain even the questions were little bit more difficult for me even today. But Alhumdulillah we got to the end of the programme.
So brothers and sisters if you wish to learn more about the technicalities ah… of Zakaat you must join us at the same time tomorrow and I would urge you to do so because it’s incredibly important. Tomorrow we’ll be mostly discussing ‘Zakaah – Part 2’. Join us then.
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu!