Paying Zakat is one of the most important duties that Muslims must not overlook. The purpose of Zakat is to purify the wealth of believers. Moreover, it also forms a great system that benefits many poor and underprivileged individuals and families. According to a study endorsed by the UN, the potential for Zakat lies between US$200 billion and US$1 trillion. This is a sizable amount that could change millions of lives worldwide. While understanding Zakat and following its procedure according to Shariah is important, paying Zakat is fairly easy. You can pay Zakat online safely and conveniently to uplift the lives of many underprivileged individuals and families.
What is Zakat & Why Is It Important?
Zakat is a mandatory almsgiving in Islam. It is one of the most fundamental requirements that qualified Muslims must fulfill each year. The word Zakat is taken from ‘z-k-w’, which means purification. Note that purification is a consistent and recurring theme in Islamic teaching. Just as ablution is required before prayers, one must also arrange for the spiritual purification of one’s hard-earned wealth. Zakat does that. The Quran says:
“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:103)
Thus, giving Zakat is a requirement for every Muslim who qualifies for it. According to the following Hadith, it is the third pillar of Islam:
“Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
- To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
- To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
- To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) .
- To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 8)
Remember that paying Zakat is not a choice; it is mandatory. For those who qualify but do refuse to give Zakat, there are no glad tidings. According to the following Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and until they establish the salah and pay the zakat. And if they do that, then they will have gained protection from me for their lives and property, unless [they commit acts that are punishable] in Islam, and their reckoning will be with Allah.” [Bukhari & Muslim] (Hadith 8, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi)
What’s The Qualification of Zakat?
Zakat eligibility depends on the Nisab threshold. If you possess wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab threshold, you must pay Zakat. The Nisab can be calculated using either the silver or the gold standard. It is equal to 612.36 grams of silver or 87.48 grams of gold. In simple words, if you have wealth equal to or greater than the value of the aforementioned quantity of silver or gold, you must pay Zakat. Remember that Zakat is an annual obligation that must be paid following the Islamic lunar calendar.
How to Calculate Zakat Obligation?
Before you pay Zakat online, you must calculate it correctly. Calculating your Zakat obligation is easy and intuitive. Your Zakat obligation is 1/40th of your qualified wealth after subtracting your short-term liabilities (within a lunar year). For example, if your Zakatable wealth is $10,000 without any debt or liabilities, your Zakat obligation is $250. All you must do to calculate your Zakat is add up the value of your qualified Zakat sources of wealth, subtract your liabilities from it, and calculate the 2.5% of the remaining sum. You can always use a Zakat calculator to ensure accuracy. While making these calculations, remember that items of personal use are exempt from Zakat. However, you must add the following in your Zakat calculation:
- Gold (jewelry also counts, whether in use or not)
- Silver (all forms, including jewelry)
- Cash in hand
- Cash in banks
- EasyPaisa/Jazz Cash/Other digital platforms
- Loans given to others
- Investments
- Trade merchandise, including goods purchased for the purpose of selling
- Money invested in the local committee
- Rotating Savings and Credit Association/ local committees, etc
When is The Best Time to Pay Zakat
Since Zakat is an annual obligation, it must be paid within that timeframe; however, many Muslims like to pay Zakat during Ramadan. The motivation for paying charity during Ramadan comes from the inclusion of Laylatul Qadr during the last Ashra of Ramadan. The Quran tells us that any noble deed committed on the night of Laylatul Qadr gives spiritual rewards greater than doing that act for a thousand months. Since the exact occurrence of Laylatul is not known, many believers give charity during the last ten days of Ashra to get the best spiritual rewards. Another reason for giving charity during Ramadan is to support the community, especially low-income households, and help them observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
However, one must remember that deferring the payment of Zakat is not recommendable and if you want to pay your Zakat during Ramadan, you can pay the advance Zakat for the upcoming year.
How to Pay Zakat Online?
Since Zakat can only be paid to the eight categories of people defined by the Quran, you should be careful before making a commitment. The Quran tells us:
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)
Sometimes it is difficult to find the right recipients of Zakat. That’s why paying Zakat online is a recommended option. By paying Zakat online you can make your Ramadan donations within a few minutes, regardless of the barriers of time and space. This can be very helpful for those who need immediate financial or medical assistance. Make sure that the organization you chose for your Zakat donation is Shariah-compliant and also supports a good cause. Shariah-compliant organizations ensure that your Zakat creates the best possible impact according to the rulings of Islam.
What is the Best Cause for Paying Zakat Online?
Healthcare is one of the best causes that you can support for your Zakat payment. Healthcare issues abound, especially in countries like Pakistan, where healthcare is not accessible to a major chunk of the population.
By supporting healthcare, you directly help deserving people make fresh starts while impacting the whole community. One less ill person could mean survival and sustenance for the entire family. Remember that health is highly cherished as Allah’s (SWT) gift and restoring this gift for others will give you great satisfaction and spiritual rewards.
According to a Hadith: “Abu Bakr said that God’s messenger mounted the pulpit, then wept and said, “Ask God for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, 2489)
While praying for your own good health, always remember to support those who might be suffering from severe illness. You can pay Zakat Online and help needy patients get life-saving treatments. The Quran tells us:
“”…and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)
Donate to Transparent Hands to Support Needy Patients
While there are many organizations worth your support, Transparent Hands stands distinguished in its services and dedication to support underprivileged Pakistani patients. Since 2014, Transparent Hands has helped thousands of needy people. They have an excellent maternal and child health program that has supported thousands of deserving women and their young children. Transparent Hands also supports patients needing surgeries. They support a variety of different surgeries and medical procedures including cochlear implants, urological treatments (kidney stones, hypospadias), various general and pediatric surgeries such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals, neurological interventions, oncology surgeries (breast cancer), orthopedic operations (knee and hip replacements), and gynecological procedures (C-sections, hysterectomies).
Transparent Hands also arranges regular medical camps in low-income areas. These camps offer free medical checkups, diagnostics tests, and medicines. These camps are organized all over Pakistan and are attended by thousands of people.
Transparent Hands is a Shariah-compliant organization and thus you can pay your Zakat, Sadaqah, or Ramadan donations with complete confidence.
This Ramadan, make sure you support an organization like Transparent Hands to support people enduring pain and seeking your assistance. Donate now! Pay Zakat Online!
