More questions

Can I pay zakat monthly?

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.

Be sure before your shahada. Leaving Islam is a grave sin, but in the West there's no legal penalty. Here's what to know.

Not right away, but most scholars recommend it. Converts usually follow their local mosque's school. Here's why.

No. The shahada makes you Muslim, not a sect. Sunni and Shia share the core of Islam. Here's what new Muslims should know.

Yes, belief in all God's messengers is a pillar of faith, but you don't need every name before your shahada.

In a basic sense, yes: both worship the God of Abraham. "Allah" is Arabic for God. The Trinity is the key difference.