Al-Baqarah 2:43 وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرْكَعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This is commanded by Allah Almighty in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Bakara, and zakat is one of the foundations of Islam. It represents 2.5% of the Muslim property exceeding its basic needs, after reaching certain values and maintaining them for one year.

Allah obliges every free, mentally sound Muslim who has reached adulthood according to Islam, who owns property above the basic minimum or Nisab, to benefit believers from any of the following groups:

1. Poor Muslims who do not have property at which they are obliged to give zakat.
2. People in acute need, although they have some subsistence.
3. Employees assigned to collect the zakat.
4. The new converts of Islam – in order to establish and strengthen themselves in religion.
5. For the purchase of prisoners of war and slaves.
6. Debtors who are unable to repay their debt.
7. For people who are in the path of Allah – those who work for the spread of religion, those in war, those seeking knowledge that will contribute to the progress of Muslims.
8. Being stranded on the road, even if they are rich where they live.

The mercy of Allah is immense and His righteousness is undeniable. Once a year it gives us the opportunity to purify our possessions and our heart by helping the poor and protecting ourselves from selfishness and oppression. May we gain the pleasure of Allah and rejoice the Muslims in need. May Allah accept the intentions of you all, multiply your goodness and give you the best of both worlds!