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Zakat: A Complete UK Guide
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam - obligatory, not optional, for every Muslim whose wealth qualifies. This guide sets out what zakat is, who must pay it, how much is due, and who can receive it, using the sources without wandering into rulings that need a scholar's judgement.
Want to work out your own figure straight away? Our free zakat calculator uses today's prices to show your nisab and your zakat due in under two minutes.
What zakat is
Who must pay
The 2.5% rate
Nisab, explained
The eight recipients
The short version
- Zakat is an obligatory annual payment of 2.5% on qualifying wealth held for one full lunar year (hawl), once that wealth is above the nisab threshold.
- Nisab is measured in gold (87.48 grams) or silver (612.36 grams) - practice varies between communities, and Aid For Mankind does not take a position on which to use. Our calculator shows today's monetary value of both.
- Zakat applies to wealth such as cash, savings, gold and silver, business stock, and money owed to you - not to your home or everyday possessions.
- Zakat can only go to the eight categories named in the Qur'an (9:60) - it is not general charity.
- Unsure about your own situation? This guide covers the general position; a scholar can help with anything unusual.
The basics
What Is Zakat?
Zakat, from the Arabic for purification and growth, is the third of the five pillars of Islam. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ described Islam as built on five foundations: the testimony of faith, the five daily prayers, zakat, fasting Ramadan, and Hajj. Zakat sits among these as an obligation - due from every adult Muslim whose wealth is above the nisab threshold and held for a full lunar year, not as an optional act of generosity.
Zakat is distinct from sadaqah, voluntary charity that can be given at any time, in any amount, to anyone. Zakat has fixed rules: a fixed rate, a fixed threshold, a fixed group of recipients, and a fixed timeframe.
The conditions
Who Must Pay Zakat?
Zakat is due from every sane, adult Muslim whose zakatable wealth is at or above the nisab threshold, and who has held that level of wealth for one full lunar year (hawl). Below nisab, zakat is not obligatory, though voluntary sadaqah is always welcome.
Nisab - the threshold, explained
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a person must hold before zakat becomes due. It is measured against two metals: gold (87.48 grams) or silver (612.36 grams). Because metal prices move daily, nisab has no fixed pound figure - only a gram threshold. For today's monetary value, use our free zakat calculator, which updates with current prices.
Honestly said
- Gold or silver nisab - many scholars advise using the silver threshold, since it is lower and brings more people into paying zakat, meaning more support reaches the poor; others use the gold threshold. Practice varies between communities, and Aid For Mankind does not take a position - our calculator checks your wealth against both.
- The lunar year (hawl) - zakat is due once wealth has been held above nisab for a full Islamic year, not a calendar year. Many people fix their zakat date to Ramadan for convenience and reward - a personal choice, not a requirement.
The rate
The 2.5% Rate
For most zakatable wealth - cash, savings, gold, silver and business stock - the rate due is 2.5% of the amount held above nisab. A small number of categories, such as agricultural produce and livestock, follow different rates and conditions; these fall outside this guide, and complex cases like these are best worked through with a scholar.
For a full step-by-step walkthrough - listing your assets, subtracting debts, comparing to nisab, and applying the rate, with a worked example - see our companion guide: How To Calculate Zakat, Step by Step.
The recipients
Who Receives Zakat?
Zakat cannot go anywhere a giver simply chooses. Qur'an 9:60 names eight categories of people it may reach: the poor, the needy, those who administer it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, those in debt, those striving in the cause of Allah, and the wayfarer.
For what each category means in plain English, and who cannot receive zakat, see our companion guide: Who Can Receive Zakat? The Eight Categories.
Common questions
Zakat - Your Questions Answered
Is zakat compulsory?
Yes. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory on every adult Muslim whose wealth is above the nisab threshold for a full lunar year. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﴾ named zakat among the five foundations Islam is built upon.
What is nisab?
Nisab is the minimum level of wealth before zakat is due, measured as 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. The pound value changes daily with metal prices, so there is no fixed figure - use our calculator for today's value.
Do I pay zakat on my house or car?
No. Zakat applies to zakatable wealth such as cash, savings, gold, silver, business stock and money owed to you - not to your home, car, or everyday possessions you use rather than hold as wealth.
Can I pay zakat at any time of year?
Yes, whenever your zakat year (hawl) falls due. Many people choose Ramadan for the reward and reflection it brings, but this is a personal choice, not a requirement.
What if I'm not sure whether I owe zakat?
Use our calculator as a starting point, and for anything unusual - business assets, pensions, shared ownership - speak to a scholar you trust rather than guessing.
Can I give zakat to family members?
Zakat generally cannot go to those you are already obliged to support, such as your children or spouse. Giving to other relatives, such as siblings, who qualify and are not your dependants is often encouraged. Practice varies between communities, and Aid For Mankind does not take a position - a scholar can advise on your specific family situation.
Ready when you are
Give Your Zakat
Once you know your figure - our calculator will help - you can give your zakat directly. Select Zakat as your cause when you donate. Aid For Mankind operates a 100% donation policy, so your zakat goes directly to those who need it most.
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