Third pillar of Islam
Give your Zakat
2.5 per cent of your qualifying wealth, held in a restricted fund and delivered only to people the Quran names as eligible.
What zakat is
Zakat is not charity in the ordinary sense. It is a fixed right that the poor hold over the wealth of those who have more than they need. Every adult Muslim whose net wealth stays above the nisab threshold for a full lunar year owes 2.5 per cent of it.
What counts towards your zakat
- 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
Who receives it
The eight categories named in Surah At-Tawbah: 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. Your zakat cannot fund buildings or general overheads, so we keep it in a separate restricted fund.
What your zakat funds here
- 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.
Common questions
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. Most people set that date in Ramadan so it is easy to remember and the reward is multiplied.
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.
Still working things out? Read our zakat guides.