Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is an important obligation for all eligible Muslims to fulfill. It is a form of almsgiving that is mandatory for those who have the means to do so. The concept of Zakat is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, and it is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief and practice.

In Sunni Islam, Zakat is considered to be an obligatory pillar of faith, and it is a means of purifying one’s wealth and ensuring the welfare of the less fortunate members of society. The Quran and the Hadith provide specific guidelines regarding who is eligible to receive Zakat and who is obligated to pay it.

According to Sunni Islamic teachings, there are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat. These include the poor (Al-Fuqara), the needy (Al-Masakeen), those employed to administer the collection and distribution of Zakat (Al-Aamileen), new Muslims and those who are in debt (Al-Gharimeen), those who are fighting in the path of Allah (Al-Mujahideen), travelers who are stranded (Ibnus-Sabeel), and those who are slaves seeking emancipation (Al-Riqab). It is important to note that Zakat can only be given to individuals and cannot be used for charitable purposes such as the construction of mosques or the funding of educational institutions.

The principles of Zakat are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith. The Quran mentions Zakat in numerous verses, emphasizing the importance of giving to those in need. For example, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), it states, “Zakat is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the funds, and for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled (to Islam), and for those in bondage, and in debt, and in the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.”

Similarly, the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also provide detailed instructions on the payment of Zakat. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “A person’s every joint has to perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings, is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step you take to prayers is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.”

The amount of Zakat that a person is required to pay is based on their total wealth and income. In general, Zakat is due on any wealth that has been held for a full lunar year and exceeds the Nisab, which is the minimum amount of wealth that makes an individual eligible to pay Zakat. The Nisab is calculated based on the value of gold and silver, and it is important for Muslims to keep track of their earnings and savings in order to determine their Zakat liability.

It is the responsibility of every eligible Muslim to calculate and pay their Zakat on an annual basis. This act of giving is not only a means of fulfilling a religious obligation but also a way of purifying one’s wealth and seeking the pleasure of Allah. The distribution of Zakat is a collective responsibility, and it is essential for Muslims to ensure that their contributions reach those who are most in need.

In conclusion, Zakat is an integral part of Islamic faith and practice, and it is an important means of fulfilling the obligation to help those who are less fortunate. It is incumbent upon eligible Muslims to calculate and pay their Zakat annually, and to ensure that their contributions are distributed to those who are eligible to receive them. By upholding the principles of Zakat, Muslims can fulfill their religious duty and contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.