This Ramadan, families around the world are waiting: not for comfort or luxury, but simply to survive.
When you pay Zakat, you’re not just giving charity. You’re fulfilling a sacred obligation and standing with people at their most vulnerable moments. Your Zakat restores dignity, eases hardship, and becomes a lifeline for families who depend on it to make it through Ramadan.
Zakat is not a transaction, it’s transformation. It’s mercy that flows through your wealth to lift others out of hardship. This Ramadan, your Zakat doesn’t stay still, it moves, bringing hope, healing, and light to those who need it most.
Your Zakat literally saves lives.
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.W) said: "Islam is built on five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, establishing prayer, giving Zakah, performing Hajj to the (Sacred) House, and fasting Ramadān." reported in both Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Its the third pillar of Islam, also known as Zakat al mal: a compulsory act of worship in Islam.
The literal meaning of Zakat is purification and growth. By paying Zakat:
Zakat al mal is not generosity, it is obedience. And when fulfilled sincerely, it brings barakah into both wealth and life. Namaz connects you to Allah and Zakat connects you to humanity. Neglecting Zakat weakens the social fabric of the Ummah, while fulfilling it strengthens compassion, justice, and mutual responsibility. The Quran repeatedly commands believers to establish prayer and give Zakat, highlighting its central role in Islam. Allah says:
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ"
Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah ‘s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Surah At-Taubah Ayat 103 (9:103 Quran)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ensured that Zakat was distributed only to those eligible, according to clear Islamic rulings — a principle Al Mustafa USA strictly follows today.
In simple terms, Zakat becomes obligatory when a Muslim owns wealth that is above the Nisab threshold and that amount remains in their possession for one full lunar year. This wealth must also be extra, meaning it is beyond everyday living expenses such as housing, food, and essential bills.
If these conditions apply to you, then Zakat is not optional, it is due. Delaying Zakat without a valid reason means holding back a right that Allah has given to those in need. Distributing zakat on time ensures your wealth is purified and your obligation is fulfilled correctly.
Many people make common mistakes, such as overlooking savings accounts or confusing Zakat with voluntary charity (Sadaqah). To avoid errors and ensure accuracy, use our Zakat Calculator for the year 2025–2026 and fulfill your obligation with confidence.
Zakat is generally paid at 2.5% on eligible assets, including:
Business assets and investments
Calculate your Zakat correctly and in accordance with Shariah principles.
Your zakat payment period for the year will start on the date when your wealth first equalled or exceeded the nisab. After this, zakat must be calculated and paid once each lunar year has passed, and it will then fall every year thereafter on that date. If you are not able to remember this date, then you should make an estimate. If this is not possible, you should select a specific Islamic date to adhere to, instead. It is not obligatory to pay zakat during Ramadan,
You can set up a regular monthly payment like a direct debit if you wish to pay your zakat in smaller instalments. If you choose to pay your zakat with Al Mustafa USA, certain campaigns and sponsorships are zakat-eligible so you can spread the rewards of your generosity throughout the year.
