Zakat is a pillar of Islam, a means of purifying our wealth, and a way to uplift those in need. Masjid Al-Ikhlaas facilitates the collection and proper distribution of Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal, ensuring that your contributions reach those who are eligible according to Shari’ah guidelines.
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity given before Eid Al-Fitr Salah as a means of purifying one’s fast and ensuring that those in need can celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with dignity. It is due on every Muslim, regardless of age, including newborns.
For 2025, Zakat al-Fitr is set at $15 per person in your household. This includes all family members, even newborns.
💡 Examples:
🔹 Deadline: Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before Eid Al-Fitr Salah (Eid at the end of Ramadan).
⏳ Recommended Time: It is highly recommended to pay at least 10 days before Eid Al-Fitr, so it reaches those in need in time for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.
🛑 Warning: Delaying beyond Eid Al-Fitr Salah invalidates it as Zakat and turns it into a general charity (Sadaqah).
Zakat al-Mal is a 2.5% annual obligation on accumulated wealth (gold, silver, cash, investments, etc.) that has been in your possession for one lunar year, once it exceeds the nisab threshold.
It is a means of purifying wealth, fostering economic justice, and fulfilling a key obligation in Islam.
Zakat al-Mal is obligatory on every Muslim who meets the following conditions:
✅ Ownership: You must fully own the wealth.
✅ Nisab Threshold: Your wealth must exceed the nisab (minimum amount required for Zakat).
✅ One Lunar Year: The wealth must have remained in your possession for one full lunar year.
✅ Adult & Sane: Zakat is due on adults of sound mind, though some scholars recommend it on a child’s wealth managed by a guardian.
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before being obligated to pay Zakat. It serves as a threshold, ensuring that only those with sufficient wealth are required to give. If a person’s total Zakatable wealth equals or exceeds the Nisab and remains above it for one full lunar year (Hawl), they must pay 2.5% of it as Zakat.
Nisab is based on the value of either gold or silver:
🔸 Gold Standard: 85 grams (approx. 2.75 ounces) of gold
🔸 Silver Standard: 595 grams (approx. 21 ounces) of silver
Since silver has a lower market value, it typically results in a lower Nisab threshold, meaning more people qualify to pay Zakat if calculated based on silver.
💡 Which standard should I use? Many scholars recommend using the silver Nisab to maximize Zakat distribution to those in need. However, some prefer using gold Nisab for a more lenient threshold.
Zakatable wealth includes:
✅ Cash (in hand, bank accounts, digital wallets)
✅ Gold & Silver (jewelry, bullion, coins)
✅ Business Inventory (goods intended for trade)
✅ Investment Properties (if bought for resale)
✅ Stocks & Shares (if purchased for trading)
✅ Cryptocurrency (if held as an investment)
✅ Agricultural Produce & Livestock (if applicable)
📌 Wealth below the Nisab is NOT Zakatable.
❌ Primary Residence & Furniture
❌ Daily-use clothing & personal vehicles
❌ Personal items not intended for trade
These assets are not considered part of excess wealth and are exempt from Zakat.
💰 Example Calculation:
🔹 A person has:
🔹 Nisab Threshold:
🔹 Zakat Due:
2.5% of ($7,000 + $5,000 + $3,000) = $375
📢 If you have questions about Nisab or Zakat, consult a Mufti or Alim.
Zakat al-Mal can be given anytime once your wealth has been above the Nisab threshold for one full lunar year (Hawl). However, giving it in Ramadan is highly encouraged as rewards for good deeds are multiplied, and it ensures greater impact for those in need.
Many Muslims choose Ramadan to fulfill their Zakat, making it easier to track annually while maximizing blessings. Don’t delay—give your Zakat this Ramadan!
Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal are both obligatory, but they serve different purposes:
📌 For a detailed comparison, view the table here: Zakat Comparison Table
At Masjid Al-Ikhlaas, 100% of Zakat funds are distributed directly to individuals and families in need in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
✅ Zakat funds are NEVER used for masjid expenses. They are strictly designated for eligible recipients and cannot be used for operations, maintenance, or any other masjid-related costs.
✅ Who receives Zakat? Funds are allocated to Zakat-eligible individuals and families, including those struggling financially, in debt, or otherwise in need of assistance as defined in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60).
📌 Our masjid acts as a trusted facilitator to collect and distribute Zakat in accordance with Islamic teachings, so your contributions go directly to those who need it most.
📌 Need Assistance? If you or someone you know is eligible for Zakat, you can apply here:
➡ Apply for Zakat Assistance
We offer multiple secure and convenient ways to make your Zakat payment:
✅ Zelle: donation@isgm.us (Use memo: Zakat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Mal)
✅ Online here. (Select below amount the type sadaqah /Zakatul Maal /Zakatul Fitr)
✅ Venmo here. (Use memo: Zakat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Mal)
✅ Check: Payable to ISGM (Write Zakat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Mal in the memo)
✅ Kiosks: You can use donation kiosks at the masjid. Select the right Zakat options on the screen.
✅ In-Person: Drop your cash or check in the properly labeled Zakat boxes at the masjid
🔸 IMPORTANT: Please clearly mention whether your Zakat payment is Zakat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Mal to ensure proper distribution.
For any questions or requests, please send email to donation@isgm.us.
| Aspect | Zakāt al-Fiṭr (زكاة الفطر) | Zakāt al-Māl (زكاة المال) |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A compulsory charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. | A yearly charity on wealth that exceeds the niṣāb and has been held for a lunar year. |
Purpose | Purifies the fasting person from shortcomings and helps the poor celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. | Purifies wealth and supports the needy in society. |
Who Must Pay? | Every Muslim (including dependents) who has food surplus beyond their daily needs. | Only Muslims whose wealth exceeds nisāb and is held for one full lunar year. |
When to Pay? | Before the Eid al-Fitr salāh (prayer), ideally in the last few days of Ramadan. | Anytime after a full lunar year has passed while possessing nisāb. |
Amount to Pay | Fixed measurement (approx. 2.5–3 kg of staple food or its equivalent in money). | 2.5% of wealth that exceeds the nisāb. |
Types of Wealth | Paid in food (e.g., wheat, dates, rice) or money equivalent. | Includes cash, gold, silver, business assets, stocks, livestock, etc. |
Recipients | The poor and needy, especially so they can celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. | The eight categories of Zakat recipients (Qur’ān 9:60). |
Obligation Type | Applies to every individual in a family (guardian pays for dependents). | Applies only to those with wealth above nisab. |
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
May Allah accept your Zakat, purify your wealth, and grant you immense rewards.
For any questions, please contact us at donation@isgm.us
JazakumAllahu Khairan!
For more information, Masjid Al-Ikhlaas, or to get
involved, please email alhidaya@isgm.us
