Giving Zakat

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PersianPrince

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What is the best way to give Zakat? I was planning to set up a direct debit to some charity, but I sometimes feel this is very lazy because it is all happening automatically.

Also,
(a) Should I consider a type of zakat that involves making time out to give it by hand?
(b) If the answer to (a) is "no", then who would you advise I give Zakat to?

Thank you all for your help.
 
im intrested to know about this topic also...
i currently have a direct debit set up and also always donate in charity boxes when ever im out shopping... does giving zakat mean to give only to muslims or any charity / needy that would benefit?

i also remember my sister-in-laws telling me that giving zakat can also include feeding animals ( wild - like putting bread outside for birds or water in hot weather )
is this right?
 
(¯¨›Åÿê§h勨¯) said:
im intrested to know about this topic also...
i currently have a direct debit set up and also always donate in charity boxes when ever im out shopping... does giving zakat mean to give only to muslims or any charity / needy that would benefit?

i also remember my sister-in-laws telling me that giving zakat can also include feeding animals ( wild - like putting bread outside for birds or water in hot weather )
is this right?
Click to expand...

:sl: ¯¨›Åÿê§h勨¯,

I've heard recently that it can be either muslim or non-muslim - anyone that's in need. I've also heard that we shouldn't ignore our neighbours or even people who happen to be sitting beside us (like in an office for example). (I guess that would apply if they appear to be hungry and unable to obtain food).
 
I've read the same as PersianPrince wrote out. I've also heard that even a smile can count as Zakat.
 
Re: Giving Zakah

JeffX said:
I've read the same as PersianPrince wrote out. I've also heard that even a smile can count as Zakat.
Click to expand...

Is that right? Wow! But I've been told that one of the important things about Zakah (or Zakat) is that it should be given from your earnings.
 
ive been feeding stray cats there alot of them where I go to school. I feel so bad for them. So, that's considered giving zakat?
 
JeffX said:
I've read the same as PersianPrince wrote out. I've also heard that even a smile can count as Zakat.
Click to expand...

i think i read an article about this on this site.. but i cant remember where... anyhows.. inshaAllah...it would be nice for someone with experience and knowledge to maybe give an insight to the questions asked on this thread.
 
(¯¨›Åÿê§h勨¯) said:
i think i read an article about this on this site.. but i cant remember where... anyhows.. inshaAllah...it would be nice for someone with experience and knowledge to maybe give an insight to the questions asked on this thread.
Click to expand...

I've been scouring the sites for the last few days but have yet to find where I read it.
 
nightstar said:
Isnt giving a smile classed as sadaqa and not zakat,
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Exactly. From the article JeffX posted:

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as Sadaqah, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity."
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While both Zakat and Sadaqa are forms of charity, they are very different things. Zakat is a purification of your income, a percentage that is owned by the poor muslims. The Zakat must come from your income. For some faqs, check this list.

Sadaqa is voluntary and can include both actions and money.
 
Janaan said:
Exactly. From the article JeffX posted:




While both Zakat and Sadaqa are forms of charity, they are very different things. Zakat is a purification of your income, a percentage that is owned by the poor muslims. The Zakat must come from your income. For some faqs, check this list.

Sadaqa is voluntary and can include both actions and money.
Click to expand...

Thank you for clarifying!
 
JeffX said:
Alright I found it.

http://www.load-islam.com/artical_det.php?artical_id=105&section=wel_islam&subsection=Discover Islam
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Thank you JeffX. You know, the part where it says

"Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth."

That's just an amazing way of putting it! So from what I have understood, at the end of each year we give 2.5% of our "capital". As they're talking about "each year", I guess "capital" refers to total value we have earned in that year. So we take 2.5% of that (regardless of any expenses) and give that as Zakah/Zakat. (It does equate to a substantial amount - but I am not hesitant about it. I want to do this).

Assuming I have interpreted correctly, does it matter whom we give the Zakah/Zakat to?
 
PersianPrince said:
Thank you JeffX. You know, the part where it says

"Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth."

That's just an amazing way of putting it! So from what I have understood, at the end of each year we give 2.5% of our "capital". As they're talking about "each year", I guess "capital" refers to total value we have earned in that year. So we take 2.5% of that (regardless of any expenses) and give that as Zakah/Zakat. (It does equate to a substantial amount - but I am not hesitant about it. I want to do this).

Assuming I have interpreted correctly, does it matter whom we give the Zakah/Zakat to?
Click to expand...

I wish I could give you an answer on that one. I'm not all that positive so lets wait until someone with more knowledge comes along.
 
Zakat is 2.5% of what you have saved, not what you have earned. There are several good zakat calculators out there, like this one, where all you ahve to do is plug in the numbers and it will tell you what you owe.

Islamic Relief also answers some frequently asked questions, like what part of my wealth is zakatable?

Sound Vision has a list of who should receive Zakat. Many islamic charities will have a zakat fund, where they will know the specifics of who should recieve it and make sure the money gets there.

Another option is to see if your local mosque or muslim community has a zakat fund that goes to help local needy muslims. Or, if you know of a family that needs financial help, you can give the money directly to them.
 

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