Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Wise” {Quran 9:60}
ZAKATUL MAL
Zakat al–Mal (commonly called “Zakat“) is due when a person’s wealth reaches the nisab amount and can be paid anytime during the year. Zakat must be used to directly assist those in need; a few examples are feeding them, clothing them, sheltering them or educating them.
Zakat al-Mal is calculated by taking 2.5% of his/her total wealth.
ZAKATUL FITR
Zakat al-Fitra is paid by the head of the household for each member of the family, before Eid ul-Fitr prayer. This is also referred as Fitra. The head of a family may pay Zakatul Fitr (Fitra) on behalf of his/her family. It is charity given to the poor towards the end of the month of Ramadan, serving two purposes:
- To complete and purify one’s fasts. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: “The fasting of the month of fasting will hanging between Earth and Heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without paying the Zakat al-Fitr”.
- To spread joy of Eid ul-Fitr by fulfilling the needs of the poor and needy.
