Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has stated:
“Sincerely observe your fasts for the sake of God. Let everyone who is liable to pay the Zakat do so.” [Noah’s Ark, p. 25, 2018 ed.]
Jama‘at donations (Chandas) are not a substitute for Zakat. Therefore, members who meet the prescribed conditions for Zakat are obligated to pay it.
The Nisab (minimum threshold) for Zakat is as follows:
- Silver: 52.5 tolas (approximately 612 grams)
- Gold: 7.5 tolas (approximately 87.5 grams)
This means that anyone who has held 612 grams or more of silver, or 87.5 grams or more of gold, for a full year is required to pay 2.5% of its total value as Zakat.
For cash savings, the gold Nisab applies. Anyone holding savings equal to or above the value of 87.5 grams of gold for a full year must pay 2.5% of total value as Zakat. At present, the value of 87.5 grams of gold in Canada is approximately $20,000.00.
All members of the Jama’at are kindly reminded to discharge their Zakat obligations any time during the year or during the blessed month of Ramadan if it is due upon them.
Please note that Zakat funds must not be distributed personally. The entire amount must be collected and disbursed through the Jama‘at system. However, if someone wishes to give a portion of their Zakat to a relative or acquaintance, they should write to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih (may Allah be his Helper) for approval. Such assistance will then be provided through the central Jama‘at system.
May Allah the Almighty enable all of us to fulfill our religious obligations in the best possible manner! Ameen!
Khalid M. Naeem Sahib is serving as National Secretary Mal
