Zakat al-Mal, or "Zakat on wealth," is the most commonly discussed form of Zakat. It refers to the annual obligation of 2.5% (1/40) levied on various categories of accumulated wealth — including cash, gold, silver, trade goods, and certain investments — once the wealth meets the Nisab threshold and a full Hawl (lunar year) has passed.
The categories of wealth subject to Zakat al-Mal vary slightly by school of thought, but generally include cash and bank balances, gold and silver (with madhab-specific rules on jewelry), stocks and investments, and business inventory held for trade. Personal items not held for trade — such as a primary residence, personal vehicle, or household goods — are typically excluded from the calculation.
Zakat al-Mal is distinct from Zakat al-Fitr, which is a per-person charity given at the end of Ramadan. While Zakat al-Fitr is a fixed amount per person, Zakat al-Mal is calculated as a percentage of accumulated wealth and applies regardless of the time of year.
Related Terms
Nisab(نصاب)
The minimum wealth threshold that makes Zakat obligatory. Based on the value of gold (85g) or silver (595g) for Sunni schools.
Hawl(حول)
The lunar year (approximately 354 days) that must pass on wealth above Nisab before Zakat becomes due.
Zakatable Wealth
The portion of a person's total wealth that is subject to Zakat calculation — excluding personal-use items like a primary home and vehicle.
Zakat al-Fitr(زكاة الفطر)
A per-person charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid prayer, intended to purify the fasting person and provide for those in need.
Sadaqah(صدقة)
Voluntary charity in Islam, given beyond the obligatory Zakat. There is no minimum amount or specific timing requirement.
Related Tools
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