jakat

Jakat, sometimes transliterated as zakat, is the Islamic obligation of almsgiving. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and serves to purify wealth and assist those in need. Zakat is due on certain forms of wealth when it reaches a minimum amount called nisab and is held for a full lunar year. The nisab is traditionally tied to the value of gold or silver, and local standards may vary.

Zakat is typically calculated as a fixed percentage of eligible wealth, commonly 2.5 percent for cash, savings, investments, business inventory, and gold or silver above nisab. Other assets have different rates: agricultural produce may be 5-10 percent depending on irrigation, livestock may have rates based on animal type, and certain debts may reduce the zakat base.

Recipients are defined in Islamic law as eight categories known as the asnaf: the poor (fuqara) and the needy (masakin); those employed to administer the zakat (amilin); those whose hearts are to be reconciled (mu’allaf), including new Muslim converts; freeing (riqab) or those in debt (gharimin); in the way of Allah (fi sabilillah); and the wayfarer (ibn-sabil).

Zakat is typically paid annually and can be collected or distributed through family networks, mosques, charitable organizations, or official government bodies where established. The goal is to reduce poverty, promote social solidarity, and support community welfare.

In many countries, the word is spelled zakat in Arabic texts; in some languages it is written and pronounced as jakat.