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Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It means obligation charity or legal alms to the poor. It's one of the obligatory duties which a Muslim who is financially and materially qualified should perform.

Payment of zakat is repeatedly made mentioned of in the Holy Qur'an.

For example, in Quran Chapter 2 verse 110, God Almighty say's; And keep up prayer pay Zakat, whatever good you put forth, is for your own benefit you will certainly meet it before Allah. Qur'an

Significance of ZakaH

1. The payment of zakat purifies the heart of the giver and alleviates the suffering of the receiver.

2. It fosters compassion, friendship and cooperation among the members of a community.

3. The payment of Zakat enhances the security and stability within the society.

4. It works for the peace of a nation, prevent or reduces robbery, murder and suicide. The gap between the rich and the poor will al be bridged.

5. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam.

Items on which Zakah can be paid

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Zakat can be paid on the following five main categories.

1. Cash

Zakat can be paid with gold , silver and money.

1. Articles of Merchandise

Items possessed for the purpose trade- these include houses for , taxicabs, and many other articles for trade.
Zakat is not payable on the items owned and used like houses in which we live, cloths we wear, ear-ring we put on, wrist-watch we wear, motor cars we ride.

1. Livestock

Zakat is payable with demotic animals like cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and poultry.

1. Mineral

Dug from the ground these include- Tin, Bauxite, Coal, Oil, Copper, Gold, Silver, Diamond.

1. Farm products-

gathered from cultivated land e.g maize, millet, rice, cocoa, barley, wheat, guinea corn, kolanuts, etc.
The assessable articles after it has spent a year and free from all kinds of debts is known as Nisab

Zakah on money

Zakat on money is 2 1/2℅ on every #40.00 and above.

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Zakah on Farm products

The time of Zakat on Farm product is when harvest is made. 10℅ is paid if the farm is watered by natural rain, but if irrigation method is employed, 5℅ of the harvest is payable.

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Those who receive Zakat

The Quran Chapter 9 verse 69 reads:

Alms are to be given to the poor, the needy, those employed in its adminstration, those whose heart are to be reconciled (towards the truth, those in bondage, those in debt, (those engaged) in the way of God, and the way-farer. The Zakat is to be given to the following eight categories of people.

1. Those whose income is too poor to meet any of their needs, (i.e the poor)

2. Those who have some income but it is not sufficient to cover all their needs (the needy)

3. Those employed in the service of Zakat ti pay their wages (the officials who collect it)

4. Those who are to be reconciled in favour of Islam and fresh converts that need helps (i.e those inclined to embrace Islam)

5. The captives- in securing the freedom of slaves.

6. The debtors- in helping to relieve a debtor

7. In the way of God- those who engaged in the defence of faith.

8. The way- Farer- those who make on journeys related to the course of God.

May All Rahmon make it easy for us all.
Zakatul fitr is here again, as Holy Quran instructed us to perform it. Do your own part to alleviates suffering.

Happy Eid fitr in Advance to the whole world.... From @cisse56

Material used
TheHoly Qur'an
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