Can I pay zakat online or through an app?
Yes, you can pay zakat online or through an app. The charity or platform acts as your agent, and your zakat is valid once you make the intention and the money reaches eligible people. What matters is choosing a trustworthy organisation that keeps zakat separate and spends it on the right groups.
Why online zakat is valid
Zakat has always been collected by people acting on behalf of others. The Prophet ﷺ sent collectors to gather zakat, and the Quran mentions them among those who receive it:
A website, bank transfer or app is just a modern way of handing your money to that collector. There is no rule that zakat has to be given in cash, by hand.
What to check before you click "donate"
- A real zakat policy: the charity should explain how it decides who is eligible and which scholars advise it.
- A separate zakat fund: your zakat shouldn't be mixed with money for buildings, salaries or campaigns.
- Fees: card and app fees are fine, but some scholars say admin costs shouldn't come out of zakat unless the charity counts as an official collector. Many charities offer a "100% zakat policy" for this reason.
- Registration: look the charity up on the Charity Commission register in the UK or check its IRS status in the USA.
- Gift Aid: UK taxpayers can usually add Gift Aid, which is extra money from the government, not part of your zakat.
For more on picking an organisation, see How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat?
Crowdfunding and calculators
Crowdfunding pages are different from charities: the person behind them may or may not qualify. See Can I give zakat to a GoFundMe campaign? Many apps also include a zakat calculator, which is handy, but check that it handles debts, pensions and gold the way your school does. See How do I calculate my zakat?
Your intention still matters
Choose the "zakat" option, not "general donation", and intend it as zakat when you pay. Save the receipt so you can track what you've paid this year.
- Paying zakat online or by app is valid.
- The charity acts as your agent and collector.
- Pick a registered charity with a clear zakat policy.
- Select the zakat option and keep your receipt.
People also ask
Do I pay zakat on gold bars and coins?
Yes, you pay zakat on gold bars and coins: 2.5% of their market value once your gold and savings reach the nisab (about 85 g of gold) for a year.
Read the full answer →Do I pay zakat on stock options or RSUs?
You pay zakat on RSUs once they vest, like other shares. Unvested RSUs and unexercised stock options are generally not zakatable yet.
Read the full answer →Can I give zakat to a friend in need?
Yes, you can give zakat to a friend in need if they're poor, needy or in unpayable debt. You don't have to tell them it's zakat. Here's what to check.
Read the full answer →Can non-Muslims give zakat?
No, non-Muslims don't pay zakat because it is worship required only of Muslims, but their donations to Muslim charities count as charity.
Read the full answer →Do I pay zakat on money from a haram job?
No, zakat doesn't purify money from a haram job: haram earnings are given away in full. Wealth earned before Islam and halal income get normal zakat.
Read the full answer →