Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and a mandatory form of charity for every Muslim who meets the necessary wealth threshold, known as Nisab. It is often mentioned right next to Salah (prayer), which is the second pillar and the best act of worship a person can do.

The connection between Salah and Zakat is so strong that they are inseparable. Abu Bakr (RA) famously questioned the faith of those who prayed but refused to pay Zakat. The Qur’an repeatedly links these two acts. It shows that our spiritual connection with Allah through prayer must go hand in hand with caring for people through Zakat donation.

Allah (SWT) says: “And establish salah (prayer) and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (2:110)

Here, Allah makes a promise. Whatever effort you make to fulfill these Islamic charity duties will never be lost. Our obedience always bears fruit in this life and the afterlife.

In another verse, Allah speaks about the human condition:

“Lo! Those who believe and do good deeds and establish Salah and pay Zakah, their reward is with their Sustainer; and no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” (2:277)

Fear and sadness are two emotions that humans feel the most in this world. We feel sad about what we lost, and we fear what we might lose in the future. This is especially true when giving away our money. But Allah assures us that on the Day of Judgment, when money cannot save us, He will save those who fulfilled their Zakat obligations from fear and sadness.

Even in the story of Maryam (AS), when the Prophet Isa (AS) speaks as a baby, he says:

“And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has ordered me to pray and give zakah as long as I remain alive.” (19:31)

SubhanAllah! Even a Prophet, in his very first words, said that Salah and Zakat were ordered upon him together. This shows how important this command really is.

Now that we understand the importance of this pillar, let’s look at the many benefits when you calculate and pay Zakat.

1. Zakat Creates Ease in Life

Allah makes an offer we cannot refuse. He promises safety, strength, and Mercy to those who obey Him.

“...Establish Salah, give Zakat and obey the Messenger so that you may receive [this] Mercy!” (Quran 24:56).

Allah mentions His Mercy again in Surah Al-A’raaf, linking it directly to Zakat:

“...but My mercy covers all things. So I will write it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses.” (7:156)

While Allah’s Mercy is huge enough to cover the universe, He promises a special part of it specifically for those who are conscious of God and give Zakat.

The great scholar Imam al-Iraqi noted that whoever performs Salah and Zakat correctly will find it easy to fast and perform Hajj. Another scholar, Al-Kirmani, mentioned that the Qur’an emphasizes Salah and Zakat nearly twenty-eight times because they are so universal.

When we donate Zakat, Allah makes things easy for us in our daily lives and our worship. Who among us would not want Allah to make their path smooth?

2. Zakat Multiplies Your Wealth and Reward

It is important to remember that we do not truly own our wealth because Allah does. Yet, when we give from what He gave us, He rewards us as if we gave from our own pocket.

“He increases or limits the provision to whom He wills, for He knows full well all things.” (42:12)

The Prophet (ﷺ) shared a beautiful saying from Allah: “Allah said: Spend in charity, O son of Adam, and I will spend on you.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

Imagine the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth spending on you. When Allah spends, He does not give like a human. He gives from unlimited treasures. He increases your blessings (barakah), protects your health, and gives you more in ways you cannot understand.

Allah describes this growth in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills...” (2:261)

The Prophet (ﷺ) explained this with a clear example:

"If one gives in charity what equals one date-fruit from honestly earned money... Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then grows its reward for that person... just as anyone of you raises his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

From a single date to a mountain of reward. This is the generosity of Allah.

3. Zakat Purifies Your Wealth

The word Zakat itself means purification and growth.

“Take from their wealth [O Prophet] charity to purify and bless them...” (9:103)

The Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed this by saying: “Whoever pays the zakat on his wealth will have its evil removed from him.” (Ibn Khuzaimah and at-Tabarani)

Wealth that is kept without paying Zakat carries a spiritual burden. Ibn ‘Umar (RA) clarified that while hoarding money is bad, "When the Verses of Zakat were revealed, Allah made Zakat a purifier of the property" (Sahih Al-Bukhari). By paying the required Zakat percentage (usually 2.5%), we purify the rest of our wealth. This makes it blessed for us to use.

If you are unsure how much you owe, you can use our online Zakat calculator to ensure your wealth is purified.

4. Zakat vs. Zakat ul-Fitr: Understanding the Difference

There is also a specific charity we give at the end of Ramadan called Zakat ul-Fitr. Ibn Abbas reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) made Zakat al-Fitr a duty to purify the fasting person from empty talk and bad behavior, and as food for the poor.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

We are not perfect. During Ramadan, we may say things we shouldn't or make small mistakes. Zakat ul-Fitr acts as a cleanser. It fixes the holes in our fasting so that we may celebrate Eid with pure hearts. It is important to pay this before the Eid prayer.

5. Zakat is a Shield from Hell-fire and a Key to Paradise

Zakat is not just a tax. It is a way to save ourselves. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised:

"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

This teaches us that no amount is too small if given with a good heart. However, for obligatory Zakat, you must calculate Zakat exactly based on what you owe.

Finally, Zakat is a direct path to Paradise (Jannah). A man once asked the Prophet (ﷺ), "Tell me of a deed that will make me enter Paradise." The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:

"You should worship Allah and do not join any partners with Him, offer prayer perfectly, pay the Zakat and keep good relations with your family." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat

What is the Nisab for Zakat?

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess for a full lunar year before they are liable to pay Zakat. It is usually calculated based on the current value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

What is the Zakat percentage?

The standard Zakat percentage is 2.5% of your total qualifying wealth.

Can I pay Zakat online?

Yes, you can pay Zakat online through trusted charities like Human Appeal Canada. This ensures your donation reaches those in need quickly and securely.

How can I calculate my Zakat?

You can easily calculate your Zakat using our Zakat Calculator which automatically updates the Nisab based on the daily value of silver.

The noble act of Zakat benefits us in this life by cleaning our wealth and character. It also secures our future in the Hereafter. It protects society from poverty and our own hearts from greed.

May Allah make us amongst those who earn honest income and spend it in His way. May He make us steady in praying Salah and giving Zakat. May Allah purify our souls, multiply our rewards, and grant us the very best in this world and the highest levels of Paradise. Ameen.

Click to use our Zakat Calculator and Pay Zakat Online

By Human Appeal

Canada