Third pillar of Islam
Zakat: calculate, understand and give
Zakat is an obligatory act of worship. Learn what counts, check the nisab threshold, calculate 2.5 per cent of qualifying wealth and give with clarity.
Zakat in short
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is normally due at 2.5 per cent on net zakatable wealth that meets or exceeds nisab and has been held for one lunar year.
- Rate: usually 2.5%
- Due once each lunar year
- Based on wealth, not salary
- Paid only to eligible recipients
If you already know your amount, give it now. If not, our free UK Zakat calculator checks your net wealth against gold or silver nisab and works out the amount due.
Give your Zakat now
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100% of your Zakat is held in a restricted fund and reaches only eligible recipients.
Who needs to pay Zakat?
Zakat is generally due from an adult Muslim who has full ownership of wealth at or above the nisab threshold for one lunar year, known as a hawl. Detailed rulings can vary by school of thought and personal circumstances, so seek qualified scholarly advice if your position is unusual.
How to calculate Zakat
- Choose your annual Zakat date.
- Add cash, savings, gold, silver, investments and relevant business assets.
- Subtract eligible debts and liabilities that are due.
- Compare your net wealth with the gold or silver nisab threshold.
- If you meet nisab, calculate 2.5 per cent, or divide the total by 40.
Use the UK Zakat calculator for personal wealth, or the business Zakat calculator for stock, receivables, cash and business liabilities.
What wealth is Zakat due on?
- Cash in the bank, in savings, in ISAs and at home
- Gold and silver, including jewellery, at current market value
- Shares, funds, crypto and other tradeable investments
- Business stock and money owed to you that you expect to receive
- Minus debts that are immediately due
Your home, everyday clothing, household furniture and personal vehicle are generally not included. Read the detailed guides to Zakat on gold and silver, Zakat on savings and Zakat on property.
Who is eligible for Zakat?
Surah At-Tawbah 9:60 names eight categories: the poor, the needy, those who administer zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, those in debt, those in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveller. Read our full guide to who is eligible for Zakat.
How UNH handles your Zakat donation
Zakat gifts are recorded as Zakat and kept separate from Sadaqah. They are directed to programmes serving recipients assessed as eligible. Any optional running-cost contribution is shown separately before payment and on the donation record.
- Orphan sponsorship: Monthly support covering school, food and healthcare for one child.
- Emergency food parcels: A month of staple food for a family living through crisis.
- Emergency response: Rapid relief after earthquakes, floods and displacement.
Zakat questions
What is Zakat?
Zakat is an obligatory annual act of worship and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It purifies qualifying wealth by directing a defined share to eligible recipients.
How much zakat do I pay?
2.5 per cent of your net zakatable wealth, once it has stayed above nisab for a lunar year. On £10,000 of savings that is £250.
When is zakat due?
On your Zakat anniversary, one lunar year after your qualifying wealth first reached nisab. Many people choose a date in Ramadan because it is easy to remember.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Choose the monthly option and set your annual figure divided by twelve. The obligation itself is still counted from your zakat date.