Sheikh Asim Explains Zakat al-Fitr & Zakat al-Mal, Learn More
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Peace & Blessings,
As previously mentioned, fulfilling our charitable duties during this sacred month is essential. To further support you in understanding Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal, we are pleased to share a special video from our Director of Religious Services, who provides clear examples and practical guidance on how to fulfill these important responsibilities.
You can watch the video below:
Zalat al-Fitr & Zakat al-Mal Further Explained
Zakat al-Fitr: A Purification for Fasting
Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay before the end of Ramadan, usually before the Eid prayer. This form of zakat purifies the fast of any mistakes or shortcomings and ensures that those in need can partake in the joy of Eid.
- Who should pay? Every adult Muslim who possesses the minimum required amount of wealth.
- How much? This year it's $25/person.
- Deadline: Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer.
Pay Zakat Al-Fitr ($25/Person)
Zakat al-Mal: A Duty for Those with Savings
Zakat al-Mal, or wealth zakat, is the obligatory almsgiving that must be paid on accumulated wealth after one full lunar year. It is calculated at 2.5% of your total savings, investments, and assets above the nisab (the minimum threshold for zakat).
- Who should pay? Every Muslim who meets the nisab threshold and has had savings for one lunar year.
- What is zakatable? It includes cash, gold, silver, stocks, business inventory, and other wealth.
- When to pay? Zakat al-Mal is typically paid once a year, but the timing can be based on when your wealth reaches the nisab and completes a lunar year.
Fidya: Making Up for Missed Fasting
If someone is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the fast later, they are required to pay fidya, which is usually the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed day of fasting. However, if an individual falls into the qualifying category of someone who should pay Fidya, and they themselves are needy or are not financially capable of paying the Fidya amount, then he/she is exempt from paying Fidya to compensate for their missed fasts.
- Who needs to pay fidya? Those who cannot fast due to chronic illness or old age and cannot make up the fast later and are financially capable.
- How much? The fidya amount this year is $25/missed day of fasting.
May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.
Warm regards,
ICSC Religious Committee
For further questions and explanations please do not hesitate to reach out to our Director of Religious Services at [email protected].
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