Zakat
Zakat is due once a year, as soon as a full lunar (Islamic) year has passed on savings above the Nisab. It is 2.5% of what you own, and every penny of it reaches people eligible to receive it.
How much Zakat do I owe?
Add up what you own and what you owe. The calculator works out your 2.5% and you can give the exact amount at the end.
Today's Nisab
If your savings have stayed above the silver Nisab for a full lunar year, Zakat of 2.5% is due. Prices updated 1 October 2026.
Calculate your Zakat
Work out exactly how much Zakat you owe — step by step, just like in the app.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male and female, has to give to support specific categories of people.
The category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise.” (The Holy Qur’an 9:60).
Zakat guide
Everything about Zakat, answered
Twelve short guides, from the basics to business, crypto and missed years. Search every answer, or start with a topic.
Understand Zakat
- Zakat Basics Understand why Zakat is obligatory, who it supports and when it becomes due with Zakat Basics explained in clear, practical language. Start here. 12 questions
- Zakat Eligibility Know whether you must pay and when your obligation begins with Zakat Eligibility guidance covering wealth, conditions and due dates. Read the answers. 12 questions
- Zakat and Intention (Niyyah) Understand niyyah in Zakat—how intention impacts your obligation and payment validity. 12 questions
What to count
- Zakatable Assets Find out which assets are zakatable—cash, gold, stocks, and more—and what is exempt from Zakat. 12 questions
- Zakat Calculation Work out what you owe with Zakat Calculation guidance for savings, gold, investments and other eligible assets. Follow the steps. 12 questions
- Zakat for Business Calculate what your company owes with Zakat for Business guidance on stock, profit, partnerships and trade assets. Read the rules and examples. 12 questions
- Zakat on Digital Assets Rules on Zakat for Bitcoin, NFTs, PayPal, and other digital and crypto assets. 12 questions
Giving your Zakat
- Zakat Recipients Discover who qualifies to receive Zakat under the eight recipient categories defined in the Qur’an. 12 questions
- Zakat Distribution & Giving Give correctly with Zakat Distribution guidance covering online payments, charities and direct support for eligible recipients. Learn the rules. 12 questions
- Missed & Advance Zakat How to handle missed or delayed Zakat and calculate outstanding payments with confidence. 11 questions
Your situation
The Pillar of Charity in Islam
Our Zakat distributions extend across critical regions, including Palestine, Syrian Refugees, Rohingya Refugees, Uganda, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa, and Lebanon. Your Zakat goes wherever the need is greatest, to brothers and sisters facing hardship.Global Helping Hands uses Zakat to help some of the world’s poorest and most destitute communities. Your donations bring joy to these people and bring hope that one day they will be able to give rather than receive zakat.
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Fulfill Your Duty with Zakat
Donate now to empower communities, uplift the needy, and create lasting change.
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Give Zakat, Spread Hope
Your Zakat transforms lives, spreads hope, and provides essential support to those in need.
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Be a Beacon of Hope with Zakat
Your Zakat changes lives, makes a significant impact, and supports those in dire need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat
Confused about donating? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is an obligatory form of charity in Islam, constituting one of the Five Pillars. It involves giving a fixed portion of one's wealth to those in need, helping to purify wealth and distribute resources more fairly.
Who is eligible to receive Zakat?
Zakat can be given to eight categories of beneficiaries, including the poor, the needy, Zakat collectors, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, captives, debtors, in the cause of Allah, and wayfarers.
How is Zakat calculated?
Zakat is typically 2.5% of a Muslim's total savings and wealth above the Nisab threshold, which is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they are obligated to pay Zakat.
What is the Nisab threshold?
The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before they are liable to pay Zakat. It is equivalent to the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.
When should Zakat be paid?
Zakat is due once a lunar year (Hijri year) has passed on the wealth that reaches or exceeds the Nisab threshold. Many Muslims choose to pay Zakat during Ramadan for the added spiritual benefits.
What types of wealth are subject to Zakat?
Zakat is applicable to cash, savings, gold, silver, investments, business goods, rental income, and agricultural produce. Personal items like clothing, household furniture, and cars are generally exempt.
What are the benefits of paying Zakat?
Paying Zakat purifies wealth, fosters social equality, helps reduce poverty, and fulfills a critical religious duty. It also brings spiritual benefits, such as gaining Allah's blessings and protection from miserliness.
How does Zakat differ from Sadaqah?
While both Zakat and Sadaqah are forms of charity, Zakat is obligatory with specific rules and recipients, and Sadaqah is voluntary and can be given at any time and amount. Zakat aims to redistribute wealth, whereas Sadaqah encourages regular charitable acts.
Can I pay my Zakat early, or in parts?
Yes. You can pay before it is due, in one payment or in parts, as long as the full amount is paid by the day it falls due. The Prophet ﷺ accepted al-Abbas's Zakat before it was due (Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi). Delaying it past that day without a reason is not allowed.
Is Zakat due on gold jewellery I wear?
Yes. The position we follow is that Zakat is due on gold and silver jewellery, including jewellery that is worn, once your total reaches the Nisab. Add its current value in the calculator above.
Which Nisab should I use, gold or silver?
Our calculator uses silver by default. It is the lower of the two, so more people pay Zakat and more of it reaches those in need. Today's figures are shown above the calculator.
Is any of my Zakat used for running costs?
No. Zakat is kept separate, given only to people eligible to receive it, and never used for admin. Our running costs are paid from a separate admin fund and Gift Aid. Read our donation policy.
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah.”
Eligibility and Calculation of Zakat
To be liable for Zakat, a Muslim must possess wealth over a certain threshold (Nisab) for a lunar year. The Nisab is calculated based on the value of gold or silver. Common Zakatable assets include cash, savings, gold, silver, investments, and business inventory. Essential personal items such as one’s home, clothing, and primary transportation are exempt from Zakat.
Recipients of Zakat
The Quran outlines eight categories of recipients eligible for Zakat (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60). These include the poor, the needy, Zakat administrators, new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community, those in bondage or captivity, individuals overwhelmed by debt incurred for legitimate purposes, those striving in the cause of Allah, and stranded or needy travelers who require financial aid.
Paying Zakat purifies one's wealth, increases blessings, and cultivates a sense of compassion and responsibility towards others. It ensures a fair distribution of wealth, reduces economic disparity, and fosters a spirit of solidarity within the Muslim community.
How Global Helping Hands Utilises Zakat
At Global Helping Hands, we ensure that your Zakat reaches those who need it most. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to distribute Zakat to orphans and widows, refugees and victims of natural disasters, individuals in war-torn regions, and families affected by poverty and crises. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that Zakat is used effectively and transparently, focusing on sustainable development and empowerment of recipients.
None of your Zakat is used for running costs. It is kept separate from other donations and given only to people eligible to receive it. Our running costs come from a separate admin fund and Gift Aid. Read our donation policy.
Zakat is a powerful tool for social change and personal growth. By fulfilling this obligation, you not only cleanse your wealth but also contribute to a more just and compassionate world. At Global Helping Hands, we are committed to ensuring your Zakat brings hope, relief, and a brighter future to those in need.
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Complete Zakat guide
Everything you need to understand and fulfil your Zakat — the nisab, how to calculate it, and who can receive it.