Fiqh of Zakah: A Comprehensive Guide for Ramadan 2026

Описание: As we approach Ramadan 2026, it is essential to revisit the third pillar of Islam: Zakah. This lecture provides a detailed breakdown of the jurisprudence (fiqh) of Zakah, covering everything from the spiritual purpose of purification to the practicalities of calculation. Whether you are a student of knowledge or simply looking to fulfill your obligation correctly this year, this guide will walk you through the conditions of obligation, the calculation for modern assets, and the rules regarding eligible recipients.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to Zakah: The Pillar of Purification

5:20 - Who is Obliged to Pay Zakah? (Conditions of Obligation)

12:45 - Calculating Zakah: Gold, Silver, and Cash

20:30 - How Zakah is Given: The Concept of Hawl and Nisab

28:15 - The Eight Categories of Recipients

35:00 - Who Can You NOT Give Zakah To?

42:30 - Q&A: Contemporary Issues and Ramadan Preparation

Lecture Analysis: The Fiqh of Zakah
1. What is Zakah?
Zakah literally means "purification" and "growth". Legally, it is an obligatory portion of wealth (usually 2.5%) that a Muslim must give to specific categories of recipients once certain conditions are met. It is not a voluntary charity (Sadaqah), but a mandatory duty (Fardh) designed to purify the giver’s wealth and heart from greed.

2. Who Must Give Zakah?
In the Hanbali madhab, Zakah is obligatory on any Muslim who possesses the "Nisab" (minimum threshold) of wealth for a full lunar year (Hawl), regardless of whether they are an adult or a minor, or sane or insane. The guardian is responsible for paying it from the property of a minor or an insane person. The core requirements for the obligation to commence are:

Being Muslim.

Complete Ownership: You must have full control and possession of the wealth.

Reaching Nisab: Your zakatable assets must meet the minimum threshold.

Passing of the Hawl: You must have owned that Nisab amount for one full lunar year.

3. How is Zakah Calculated and Given?
Zakah is typically calculated at 2.5% of your net zakatable assets.

The Nisab Threshold: Historically, this is 85g of gold or 595g of silver. In contemporary practice, many scholars recommend using the silver threshold for the benefit of the poor, as it is lower and triggers the obligation sooner.

Zakatable Assets: These include cash (in hand or in banks), gold and silver, trade goods, stocks/shares, and agricultural produce.

Liabilities: You may deduct immediate debts and expenses from your total assets before checking if you meet the Nisab.

4. Who Receives Zakah? (The Eight Categories)
According to the Qur'an (9:60), there are eight specific categories of people eligible to receive Zakah:

The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those with no wealth at all.

The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those who have some wealth but not enough to cover basic necessities.

Administrators (Al-Amileen): Those employed to collect and distribute Zakah.

Reconciling Hearts (Mu'allafat al-Quloob): New Muslims or those inclined toward Islam.

Freeing Captives (Fir-Riqab): To help free those in bondage or modern slavery.

Debtors (Al-Gharimeen): Those overwhelmed by debt they cannot repay.

In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): Those striving in the path of Allah, including students of knowledge and community projects in some interpretations.

The Wayfarer (Ibn al-Sabil): Travelers stranded without resources.

5. Who is NOT Eligible for Zakah?
You cannot give Zakah to certain groups even if they are poor:

Direct Dependents: You cannot give Zakah to those you are already Islamically responsible for providing for, such as your wife, children, or parents.

Direct Ascendants/Descendants: In the Hanbali and Hanafi schools, this includes grandparents and grandchildren.

The Wealthy: Anyone who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold.

Non-Muslims: Zakah is specifically for the Muslim community (though Sadaqah can be given to anyone).

The Family of the Prophet (Ahlul Bayt): Descendants from Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib are traditionally ineligible for Zakah.

Sinful Activities: It cannot be given to fund activities that contradict Islamic ethics.