--- title: "What is Zakat in Islam?" description: "What is Zakat in Islam?" author: "Sanjay Goenka" published: 2023-04-21 updated: 2023-04-24 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99485/what-is-zakat-in-islam category: "religion" tags: ["religion"] reading_time: 2 minutes --- # What is Zakat in Islam? ## Answers ### Answer by Mark John Zakat is one of the **five** pillars of [Islam](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/279846/this-is-the-reason-why-you-should-choose-an-islamic-school) and is the act of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. It is both an obligation and an act of **worship** and is an important part of a Muslim’s life. Zakat is an Arabic word meaning “**that which purifies**,” It is a form of **almsgiving**. The [concept](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/5070/what-is-atman-the-concept-of-soul-in-sanatan-dharma) of Zakat is derived from the Qur’an and the teachings of the **[Prophet](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83390/nupur-sharma-s-comments-on-prophet-muhammad-hurts-the-muslims)** **Muhammad** (peace be upon him). It is a form of [charity](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/81762/why-is-international-charity-day-celebrated) compulsory for all [Muslims](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/65035/the-islamic-modest-wear-is-kind-of-expected-by-our-society) who can financially do so. The main purpose of zakat is to help those in **need**, especially the poor and the needy. ![What is Zakat in Islam?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/ce618515-3088-46da-a4b3-175ebeb83e24/images/1e1e1400-aa29-48bd-9af8-d66c1f9d8bee.jpeg) Zakat is one of the main ways of purifying one’s wealth, and it is meant to be a reminder of God’s generosity and the need to help those less **fortunate**. It is also seen as a way of redistributing [wealth](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/323274/choosing-the-right-career-and-financial-wealth-plan-for-your-family) in **[society](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/126251/cybersecurity-becomes-primary-focus-in-digital-society)**, reducing the gap between the **rich** and the **poor**. The amount of zakat that must be paid is based on the wealth an individual has, usually **2.5%** of his or her income and savings. Zakat is usually **paid** annually but can be paid at any time. It is also important to note that zakat is only applicable to certain types of wealth, such as cash, gold, silver and certain types of [agricultural produce](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/95625/which-place-india-has-in-agricultural-produce-exporters-in-2019-according-to-a-wto-report). Zakat is not only a way of **redistributing** wealth but also a way of **purifying** one’s soul. It is a reminder to be grateful to God and generous to others. The act of giving is seen as an act of worship, and it is a way of expressing one’s faith in God. Zakat is an important part of a Muslim’s life and a way of expressing one’s **devotion** to God and the Islamic faith. It is a way of showing one’s **commitment** to helping those in need and a reminder of the [importance](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13099/the-importance-of-machine-learning-service-providers) of charity and generosity in Islam. Zakat is an [essential](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12260/why-it-is-essential-to-be-proactive-about-your-retirement-financial-planning) part of a **Muslim’s** life and a reminder of the need to help the less fortunate. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99485/what-is-zakat-in-islam Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.