Zakat
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it an obligation upon eligible Muslims. Alongside prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), pilgrimage (hajj), and belief in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ (shahadah), zakat is a sacred act of worship that purifies wealth and restores balance in society.
For every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth above a minimum threshold — known as the nisab — it is obligatory to give 2.5% of that wealth as zakat.
“…and in whose wealth there is a known right, for the needy and the deprived.”
Zakat is not charity in the optional sense. It is a right of the poor over the wealth of those whom Allah has given more.
When Is Zakat Due?
Zakat becomes due once a full lunar (Islamic) year has passed on wealth that equals or exceeds the nisab.
Once due, zakat should be given without delay, with the intention (niyyah) of fulfilling this obligation for the sake of Allah alone.
How Waduha Distributes Zakat
Zakat received is directed towards eligible recipients, prioritizing:
- Widows and female-led households
- Orphans and vulnerable children
- Families facing food insecurity
- Individuals affected by illness, crisis, or loss of income
Distribution is carried out through local verification, community references, and on-ground assessment to ensure zakat reaches those who are genuinely eligible.
Our focus is not volume, but amanah.
What Is Nisab?
The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before zakat becomes obligatory.
It is calculated based on the value of:
- Silver (612.36 grams), or
- Gold (87.48 grams)
Because market values fluctuate, nisab amounts change over time. Many scholars recommend using the silver nisab, as it allows more people to contribute and benefits a greater number of needy individuals.
If your total zakatable assets exceed the nisab after debts, zakat is due.
Zakat: A Sacred Trust
Zakat is not only a pillar of Islam — it is a system designed to restore dignity and justice.
Allah ﷻ says:
“And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves — you will find it with Allah.”
Qur’an 2:110
And the Prophet ﷺ reminded us that wealth is not diminished by giving, but purified through it.
When zakat is fulfilled sincerely, it transforms not only lives — but hearts.
How Waduha Uses Zakat Funds
Zakat collected by Waduha is allocated strictly to zakat-eligible categories, primarily the poor and needy.
A limited portion may be used for essential distribution costs (such as transport or logistics), ensuring aid reaches beneficiaries safely and effectively. These costs are kept minimal and proportionate. We do not treat zakat as general charity. It is handled as a religious responsibility.
What Is Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr)?
Fitrana is a compulsory charity given before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan.
Fitrana must be given before Eid prayer, so that those in need can also celebrate Eid with dignity.
How Much Zakat Do I Pay?
Zakat is calculated as 2.5% of your total zakatable assets, after deducting immediate debts.
Example:
If your zakatable wealth equals PKR 1,000,000
Your zakat due = PKR 25,000
You are encouraged to calculate carefully and give with certainty and intention.
Types of Zakat
Zakat al-Mal
The zakat of wealth — the annual 2.5% obligation on eligible assets.
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)
A food-based charity given before Eid to purify fasting and support those in need.
A Reminder About Orphans
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever shows kindness to an orphan, he and I will be together in Paradise like this.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
