Zakat
This is the compulsory alms-giving which Allah has given the order for in the Qur'an. Its status is Fardh. Zakah is only eligible upon mature, sane men and women who meet Nisab threshold. 2.5% of their wealth must then be given. Zakah must only be given to the specific eight categories mentioned in the Qur'an. If it is not given to any of them, then it will be void and necessary to re-pay. So donate to charity Zakat and fulfill the right of your wealth that Allah has bestowed upon you.
Calculate your ZakatSadaqah
This is the general term used for giving charity in Islam. All acts of worship through financial expenditure are, by broader definition, classified as Sadaqah. Due to there being many types, they have been divided into the following two categories both of which have separate rulings:
1. Sadaqah Wajibah
This is charity which is binding in nature. It includes Sadaqah al-Fitr, Kaffarah, etc. This form of Sadaqah is similar to Zakah in that it must be spent on the same categories as defined by the Qur'an, except that it is not a condition for the beneficiary to be Muslim.
Sadaqatul Fitr
This is a charity which is a duty upon every sane Muslim, who possesses the value of Nisab beyond the basic necessities. Fathers are instructed to give Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of those children who have not reached of age. The amount that must be given is equal to 1.75 kg of wheat or 3.5 kg of barley or its like. This does not mean that a person must distribute wheat or barley, one may give its equivalent value. (Because this fluctuates it is improper to specify a price, although it is usually between one and three pounds.) Sadaqah al-Fitr is a very emphasized Sunnah (which according to many is the status of Wajib) which becomes due before 'Eid Salah, although it is preferable to give it a few days before 'Eid so that the poor actually receive it and are able to spend it on `Eid day. If one does not give the Sadaqah al-Fitr, it will remain due no matter how much time passes after 'Eid.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah is an expiation for breaking or deliberately missing a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason. It serves as a means to atone for this action and renew one's commitment to the pillars of Islam.
To pay Kaffarah, one must either:
- Fast for 60 consecutive days, or
- Feed 60 people in need for every missed fast.
For those who are unable to fast for health or other valid reasons, the Kaffarah payment is equivalent to £240 per missed fast, calculated at £4.00 per meal for 60 people.
Fidyah
This is compensation for missing Salah or Sawm for a person who cannot perform them due to being in terminal illness or being deceased or in the event of a person making a minor mistake in Hajj. The amount for each missed Salah or Sawm, or each minor mistake in Hajj is to give 1.6kg of wheat or its value (i.e. the same amount given for Sadaqah al-Fitr) to the poor. Fidyah is generally Sadaqah Wajibah. Sadaqah Nafilah may be given in addition either from the deceased's estate or on their behalf in which case both the giver and the deceased are rewarded.
2. Sadaqah Nafilah
This is charity which is not binding in nature but is optional. This type includes alms given for the removal of difficulties, philanthropic (to give out of mercy to the less fortunate), the general giving of any Halal item to any one etc. This type does not need to be spent on the specified categories to be rewarding nor does it have to be spent on Muslims, although if spent on poor Muslims it would be more rewarding. This can also be bequeathed in one's will (in which case it would be only up to a third of the deceased person's entire estate).
Lillah
This is Sadaqah Nafilah but is a type that does not have the condition of having to be passed into the possession of a person, as it can be given to institutes (e.g. Masajid, hospitals, schools, orphanages, etc).
Waqf
This is to allot something as a trust for a certain cause. This can be during one's lifetime or bequeathed in one's will (up to the value of a third of one's estate). When executed, the donation becomes the property of Allah (and thus has specific rules regarding it), and its beneficiaries are to remain those named as the cause (e.g. the poor, orphans, students, the people of a certain locality, etc.) The difference between this and Lillah is that with Waqf ownership is not given to people or institutes but only the benefits are ascribed. Like today's trusts, Waqf also requires the care of trustees over it.
Sadaqah Jaariyah
This Sadaqah is not a separate category but it is really any Sadaqah Nafilah which is spent on a cause of long term benefit (e.g. wells), and in essence is very similar to Waqf.
What Is Interest/Riba?
Dedza Welfare Trust UK, We understand the challenge of navigating interest (Riba) in the monetary system.
Islam forbids the use, payment, or receipt of Interest/Riba. We resolve and remedy the issue, to help you deliver your wealth by donating any transpired interest money to those in need. No personal reward is gained from the funds.
If you have received interest money and wish to dispose of it, you can donate this amount through our organisation to the Interest project.