Learn About Zakat

Clear, grounded explanations of the policies and scholarly positions behind Zakat distribution in Canada.

Zakat Basics

  • What Is Zakat?

    Understanding the third pillar of Islam — who pays, how much, and to whom. A practical guide for Muslims in Canada.

  • The Eight Zakat Categories

    A practical breakdown of who can receive Zakat — what each of the eight Quranic categories means for Canadian organizations today.

  • What Wealth Is Zakatable?

    Not all wealth is subject to Zakat. Here's what counts, what doesn't, and where scholars agree — a practical guide for calculating your obligation.

Calculating Your Zakat

  • Your Zakat Anniversary: Understanding the Hawl

    Your Zakat anniversary isn't necessarily Ramadan. Learn what the hawl is, how different schools handle it, and whether to use a Hijri or Gregorian calendar.

  • Gold or Silver? The Nisab Standard

    The nisab threshold determines who owes Zakat — but the gold and silver standards produce wildly different numbers. Here's why it matters.

  • Zakat on Jewelry: Gold & Silver

    Is your personal jewelry subject to Zakat? The answer depends on your school of thought. Here's what you need to know about gold, silver, and the scholarly differences.

  • Zakat on Investments

    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds — when do you pay Zakat on the full market value, and when only on the zakatable portion? Here's what scholars say.

  • Zakat on Canadian Investment Accounts

    TFSAs, RRSPs, RESPs, FHSAs — each Canadian account type has unique tax characteristics that affect how Zakat is calculated. Here's what scholars say.

  • Zakat on Money Owed to You

    If someone owes you money, whether it's a personal loan, a business receivable, or an outstanding mahr, it's still part of your wealth. But how Zakat applies depends on the type of debt and which school of thought you follow.

  • Zakat on Business Assets

    If you own a business, certain assets are subject to Zakat — but not all of them. Here's how to determine what counts and how to value it.

  • Zakat and Debt: What Can You Deduct?

    Debts reduce your zakatable wealth — but scholars differ significantly on how to handle mortgages and long-term loans. Here's what you need to know.

Giving Your Zakat

Policy Questions

  • What Counts as a Zakat Policy?

    The line between having a Zakat policy and not having one — what a policy document must contain and why it matters.

  • Is Your Zakat Kept Separate?

    How organizations keep Zakat money separate from general donations — and why the answer should matter to you as a donor.

  • How Are Admin Costs Funded?

    How organizations fund their operations — what it means when admin costs come from Zakat, and how to evaluate transparency.

  • Who Oversees Zakat Compliance?

    How organizations structure religious oversight of their Zakat operations — from scholar boards to single advisors to nothing at all.

  • What Is a Zakat Audit?

    A financial audit checks your books. A Zakat audit checks whether your Zakat was actually distributed according to Islamic law. They're not the same thing.

  • Does the Recipient Own What They Receive?

    Islamic jurisprudence generally requires Zakat to be transferred into personal ownership. But what happens when organizations fund wells, schools, or clinics?

  • What Counts as "In the Cause of God"?

    Category 7 is the most debated Zakat category. An organization's interpretation tells you more about its scholarly approach than almost anything else.

  • Can Zakat Fund Political Campaigns?

    A joint ruling by two major North American fiqh bodies says yes — under strict conditions. A dissenting opinion, a practical viability critique, and a methodological analysis say it's not that simple.