Zakaat - Rules and modern issues

Conditions for Zakaat

 

It is an accepted fact that Zakaat is also obligatory on Muslims like Salaat and fasting.  The Shariah hasn’t made it obligatory for every Muslim, but has given guidelines for the convenience of the society.  Zakaat is obligatory only on that person who has wealth that meets prescribed criteria, who is not financially challenged and is not mentally challenged.

 

Zakaat is not obligatory on every form of wealth, but guidelines have been given on this as well.  Zakaat is obligatory on such wealth that is of a growing nature and which is surplus so that the needs of the person giving Zakaat aren’t affected.  Islam has not obligated Zakaat on earnings but on savings.  The percentage of Zakaat is very low so that it isn’t a burden on those giving it.

 

Like other forms of worship, Islam has decreed some conditions for Zakaat as well.  The conditions for Zakaat are of 2 kinds:

 

(1)  The individual giving the Zakaat must be:

a)       Muslim

b)      Adult

c)       Sane

d)      Should make the intention of giving Zakaat.

e)       Should make a needy person the complete owner and possessor of the amount of Zakaat.

 

(2)  The wealth on which Zakaat should be given should:

a)       Be of a growing nature.

b)      Meet the prescribed criterion of Zakaat.

c)       Be over and above the basic needs.

d)      Be in complete possession of the individual.

e)       Be there for a period of a year or above.

f)       Be free of debt.

 

Now, we will separately detail the different conditions of Zakaat: