M-NOMAN ROLL NO 03

SEMESTER 8TH B-S REGULAR

ZAKAT
Payment made annually under Islamic law on certain kinds of property
and used for charitable and religious purposes, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Conditions Necessitating Zakah.

1- Islam.
Zakah is not accepted from a disbeliever (non-Muslim), because indeed Allah, the
Most High, rejects the deeds of the disbelievers.

2- Freedom.
It is compulsory on all free men. However, it is not required of a slave, since he
does not own property; as both he and the property he has ultimately belongs to his master.

3- Possession of the Nisab.

Definition of Nisab
It is a certain amount of property or wealth which a person must possess
before Zakah becomes obligatory on him.

Conditions the Nisab must satisfy.

1- The Nisab is required to be more than what is necessary for the basic needs of man e.g.
feeding, clothing, shelter etc. This is because Zakat has been ordained as a support for the poor.
It is therefore important that the payer of Zakat is not in need himself.

2- The Nisab must completely belong to a particular individual. Zakah is not paid from money
or property that does not belong to a specific person. For example, money that was contributed
towards building a mosque, an endowment set aside for the well-being of a community, or
properties in the treasuries of welfare or philanthropic organizations.

4- Lapse of a year on the property (a Hawl)

The year
A full lunar year
This is the lapse of twelve complete lunar months while the Nisab is in the possession of its
owner. This is a special condition when the following are being considered: the two currencies,
merchandise and cattle. As for plantations, fruits, minerals and treasures, the lapse of a year is
not a pre-requisite.
BENEFICIARIES OF ZAKAT (ASNAF)
Unlike normal charity, the recipients of
Zakat have been specified by Allah (S.W.T) in the Holy Al-Quran, Surah Al-Taubah, and
verse60.

Zakat is for the poor and the needy, and amil (those employed to administer the funds), for
the mullah (those who have embraced Islam), for those in bondage and in debt, those who
strive in the cause of Allah and for the wayfarer; (thus it is) ordained by Allah and Allah is
full of knowledge and wisdom.

Fakir.
One who has neither material possession nor means of livelihood; one who suffers,
and has no means to sustain his/her daily needs.

Miskin.
One who has insufficient means of livelihood to meet his/her basic needs.
Zakat disbursement to the poor & needy includes:
 Monthly financial assistance (FA)
 Muis empowerment programmes
 Special assistance during Ramadan for Muslim residents community homes/public
assistance recipients
 Supportive programme grants to organisations
Applications are open to poor and needy Muslims who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent
Residents who fall within the following categories:
 Single parent: widow or divorcee in need
 Breadwinner in prison or DRC
 Breadwinner or family members incurring high medical bills due to: (a) chronic illness
e.g. kidney failure, cancer. (b) mental/physical disability
 Insufficient household income due to large number of dependants

Amil.
One who is appointed to collect Zakat and the expenses incurred in the administration of
Zakat. Disbursement to Amil includes:
 Administration cost
 Training cost

Muallaf.
One who recently embraced Islam? Disbursement to Muallaf includes:
 Grant to Darul Arqam to administer the affairs of new Muslim converts

Riqab.
 One who is freeing himself/herself from the bondage or shackles of slavery. In
Singapore, this category refers to those who need some assistance to pursue their education,
usually children of zakat recipients. Disbursement for Riqab includes:
 Education grants for needy families

Gharimin.
One who is in debt and needs assistance to meet his/her basic needs.
Disbursement for Gharimin includes:
 Assistance for outstanding basic necessities bills e.g. utilities bills and service and
conservancy charges

Fisabilillah.
One who strives in the cause of Allah for the betterment of the community?
Disbursement to Fisabilillah includes:
 Religious programmes
 Mosque leadership and management
 Madrasah development and assistance
 Youth development and engagement
 Dakwah and public education
 Islamic education
 Asatizah development
 Community development

Ibnussabil.
Stranded travellers on a permissible journey. Disbursement to Ibnussabil
includes:
 Financial assistance
 Food assistance
 Return air ticket to home country