Guide for new Muslims · 05 · 3 min
Zakat
Zakat is a set share of wealth that those who have enough pass on to those in need. It is purification through generosity.
What zakat is
Once a year, Muslims who own more than a certain amount give 2.5% of their savings and assets to those who have less. It is not a tax, but a right the poor have in what we own.
The idea is simple and beautiful: wealth should circulate and lift the whole community, not gather with a few.
Do I have to pay zakat now?
As a new Muslim, you do not need to worry about this right away. Zakat only applies if you own above a certain threshold and have done so for a full year.
Either way, there is much to enjoy in giving voluntarily, called sadaqa — even a smile or a good deed counts.