Topic

Zakat & Charity

Zakat, sadaqah and giving to charity. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

Do I pay zakat on my 401(k) or pension?

Scholars differ. Some say pay yearly on what you could withdraw after penalties and tax; others say pay when you receive it.

Yes. Cash in savings and checking accounts counts toward zakat at 2.5% if you're above the nisab. Leave out any interest earned.

You still owe it. Missed zakat stays a debt, so estimate each year, pay as soon as you can, and repent. Here's how to work it out.

Yes, most scholars allow paying zakat before it's due once you've reached the nisab. The Maliki school is stricter. Here's how.

Yes, as advance payments toward your next zakat date, which most scholars allow. Then settle the balance on the due date.

Once a lunar year passes with your wealth above the nisab. Pick a fixed zakat date; Ramadan is popular but not required.

Not quite. Tithing is usually 10% of income; zakat is 2.5% of savings above the nisab, for set recipients. Here's the comparison.

The nisab: the value of 85 g of gold or 595 g of silver. Scholars differ on which to use for cash. Here's how to check yours.

Add your cash, gold, silver and investments, subtract debts due now, check the nisab, then pay 2.5%. A simple step-by-step guide.

Zakat is a required 2.5% on savings for set recipients. Sadaqah is any voluntary charity, any amount, any time. Here's how they differ.

Yes, once your savings reach the nisab and a lunar year passes after your shahada. No back payments for years before Islam.