Donations
Generosity as Worship, A Path to Blessings and Impact.
Convert Central donations are only for sadaqah at the moment, not zakat.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is any voluntary act of righteousness or kindness made for the sake of Allah SWT. There is no minimum amount to be given and no requirement to give regularly, though it is encouraged. Sadaqah can be split into two; Sadaqah, a short-term gesture, and Sadaqah Jariyah, which is long-term. Something as simple as sharing your knowledge in Islam or smiling are examples of long-term and short-term sadaqah.
What is Zakat?
Zakat refers to the annual donation to charity that is required by Islamic Law. It is the third pillar of Islam. The requirement of this donation applies to those who possess the minimum amount of wealth or Nisab for one lunar year. Zakat also means purification and is intended to purify our wealth, both physically and spiritually.
Know the difference
Topic
Zakat
Sadaqah
Obligation
Yes, Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, thus making it obligatory only upon Muslims. It is not obligatory for non-muslims, nor will it be accepted from them if they choose to pay it.
No, sadaqah is voluntary.
Frequency
Performed over the period of 1 Islamic year, approximately 355 days. It begins from the first day that one’s wealth reaches the nisab (86g of gold) or from the date of zakat fulfilment.
Can be performed anytime.
Recipient
There are 8 eligible recipients for Zakat (At-Taubah, verse 60):
1. The Destitute (has no possessions nor means of livelihood)
2. The poor (has insufficient means of livelihood)
3. Those who are striving in the cause of Allah SWT (mosque building, da’wah, education etc)
4. Those burdened by debt
5. Those who are freeing themselves from slavery
6. Those who have newly converted to Islam
7. Those who are tasked to collect Zakat (administrators)
8. Those who are on permissible travel and have met with issues
Anyone.
Amount
Zakat nisab is pegged against 2.5% of one’s collective wealth and assets (savings, investments, golds and businesses).
Zakat al-fitra is pegged against 2.3kg of the local staple food.
Any amount.
Rewards
One can and should only perform it while one is alive.
It is a means of ongoing reward even after one passes away.