Zakat
Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and an annual financial act of worship. For the sake of Allah, wealthy (i.e., those who possess the nisab) Muslims are required to give one-fortieth of their wealth each year to one of the eight categories specified in the Holy Quran.
Zakat and Society
Zakat is one of the five fundamental pillars of the religion of Islam and, besides being an act of worship, it is one of the most important elements of social assistance and solidarity. Zakat provides material and moral support to those in need. It meets the basic needs of the needy and saves them from poverty. It also helps to reintegrate the needy into society. Zakat ensures social tranquility and peace. It eliminates the division between rich and poor and strengthens unity and solidarity in society.
ZAKAT
Conditions for the Obligation of Zakat
It is the possession of wealth equal to or exceeding the nisab amount, which is in excess of one’s debts and basic needs, by a mature (adult), sane, and free Muslim, and over which one lunar year has passed. For the wealth to reach the nisab amount, it must also have the quality of nema (actual or estimated growth and multiplication). This nema is legally considered to exist in gold and silver; even if they do not actually multiply, their zakat must be given once they reach the nisab amount.
What is Nisab?
It is a measure established by religion for zakat to become obligatory. It is when a person possesses 20 mithqals (80.18 grams) of gold or money and trade goods of equivalent value, beyond their basic needs and debts. Basic needs include a house, essential household items, clothing, tools, books, a mount (horse or car), and provisions. One lira out of every 40 liras of money is given as zakat. Zakat on livestock: one in forty for sheep; one sheep for every five camels; one calf for every thirty cattle. Minerals are also subject to zakat.
What is Ushr?
Ushr is the zakat on agricultural produce and involves giving one-tenth of the harvested crops. If the land is irrigated with purchased water, one-twentieth is given. Agricultural produce includes crops such as wheat, barley, rice, corn, potatoes, hazelnuts, tea, watermelon, cucumber, alfalfa, olives, sesame, honey, sugarcane, and fruits. Since lands in Turkey are titled and privately owned, the lands of Turkey are subject to ushr. Muslims engaged in agriculture must absolutely give their ushr.
Where Zakat is Given
Zakat can be given to any of these categories. However, the most virtuous ones to give to are the needy who have nothing and those in the path of Allah. (Mukhtasar Ilmihal, Fazilet Nesriyat)
