Masjid Al Tawheed · Zakat
Giving with
Purpose
An act of worship. A means of purification. A responsibility to those in need.
Giving with
01 / Understand
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of Islam’s five pillars and a religious obligation for Muslims who meet its conditions. Its meaning includes purification, growth and blessing.
By giving Zakat, we express gratitude to Allah, purify our wealth and share His blessings with people facing hardship. It is a practical expression of care that strengthens our community.
01 · On qualifying wealth
Zakat al-Mal
Zakat on qualifying wealth, payable when its conditions are met, including the applicable nisab—the minimum wealth threshold.
02 · At the close of Ramadan
Zakat al-Fitr
Charity associated with Ramadan, given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer so that people in need can benefit in time for Eid.
02 / Those entitled to receive
Who can receive Zakat?
Allah identifies eight categories of Zakat recipients in Surah At-Tawbah. These categories guide us in directing our giving to those entitled to receive it.
۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ٦٠
“Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
01
The poor
Fuqara — People whose resources, beyond their basic needs, fall below the nisab threshold.
02
The needy
Masakin — People experiencing severe poverty who lack the means to meet their essential needs.
03
Zakat administrators
Amilin — Those authorized to collect, manage and distribute Zakat.
04
Hearts to be reconciled
Muallafatu qulub — Those eligible for support to strengthen their connection to Islam, including certain new Muslims.
05
Freedom from bondage
Ar-riqab — People in bondage or captivity, where Zakat may be used to secure their freedom.
06
Those in debt
Al-gharimin — People unable to repay qualifying debts after their essential needs are taken into account.
07
In Allah’s cause
Fi sabilillah — An established category with specific scholarly conditions. Seek guidance before directing Zakat to a particular cause.
08
Stranded travelers
Ibn al-sabil — Travelers who lack access to sufficient funds, even if they have resources at home.
Each category has specific conditions. If you are unsure whether a person or cause qualifies, consult a qualified scholar before giving.
An important distinction
Zakat and
masjid donations
Please use separate, non-Zakat donations for masjid construction and maintenance. Direct your Zakat to eligible recipients.
03 / Put your intention into action
Where should I give my Zakat?
Give to eligible recipients whose circumstances you know, or through an organization that distributes Zakat to eligible people. The resources below can help you explore giving options.
Before giving, please remember to designate your donation as Zakat.
Sacramento region
Al-Misbaah
Local charitable aid and Zakat giving in the greater Sacramento region.
Visit Al-MisbaahOrphan support
Sana Orphanage
Learn more about Sana Orphanage and its current giving opportunities.
Visit Sana OrphanageRelief & development
Helping Hand
Helping Hand for Relief and Development offers a dedicated Zakat giving program.
View Zakat program