The Spiritual Protection of Wealth: Zakat


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Zakat (obligatory charity) is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory act of worship that must be fulfilled correctly and with care. This means calculating it properly and ensuring it reaches those who are eligible to receive it.

To calculate your Zakat, you can visit our Zakat Calculation Page.

What Is Zakat?

Zakat (obligatory charity) is an annual financial act of worship. It requires eligible Muslims—those who meet the minimum wealth threshold (nisab)—to give 1/40 (2.5%) of their wealth for the sake of Allah.

Zakat is not only a financial contribution. It is also a way to purify one’s wealth and cleanse the heart. Its purpose is to help those in need meet their basic needs, while protecting the wealthy from greed and the poor from despair.

Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:
“Establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah. Surely, Allah sees all that you do.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110)

Who Can Receive Zakat?

As mentioned in the Qur’an, Zakat can be given to the following groups:

• The poor (fuqara)
• The needy (masakin)
• Those employed to collect Zakat
• Those in bondage seeking freedom
• Those in debt
• In the cause of Allah (fi سبيلillah / fi sabilillah)
• The stranded traveler

The most virtuous form is to give to those who have nothing and to those striving in the path of Allah.

ICWS distributes your Zakat according to these principles, ensuring your obligation is fulfilled in the best way.

👉 Click here to deliver your Zakat

Who Must Pay Zakat? What Is Nisab?
Zakat becomes obligatory for a Muslim who is:

• An adult (baligh)

• Of sound mind

• Free

• In possession of wealth above their basic needs and debts, reaching the nisab threshold

Nisab (minimum threshold):

• Gold and silver: 20 mithqal (approximately 80.18 grams of gold) or equivalent wealth

• Livestock:

• 40 sheep

• 5 camels

• 30 cattle

There is also Zakat on agricultural produce (‘ushr):

• 10% if naturally irrigated

• 5% if irrigation involves cost

How We Use Your Zakat

As ICWS, we collect and distribute your Zakat transparently, delivering it to those eligible as defined in the Qur’an.

We focus especially on supporting orphans and the needy in Africa and Asia, helping both fulfill your obligation and strengthen communities.

Your Zakat reaches those in need in:

• Africa

• Palestinian refugee camps

• Sudan

• Arakan (Rohingya regions)

• Indonesia

• Yemen

• Pakistan

• Central Asia

We provide support in the form of direct financial aid or essential supplies to orphans, students memorizing the Qur’an (Hafiz), and families in need.

How to Calculate Your Zakat

Calculating your Zakat correctly is the first step to fulfilling this obligation.

You can include:

• Gold

• Cash

• Business income

• Investments

• Livestock

Our Zakat calculator helps you determine your amount بسهولة and accurately based on nisab.

Make Orphans Smile with Your Zakat

Your Zakat can change lives. Support those in need and fulfill your obligation in the best way.

👉 Give Your Zakat Today