Zakat: what does the Muslim need to know?

Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, and it is an obligatory right in specific kinds of wealth when its conditions are met. It is not a voluntary donation, but an act of worship that combines sincerity to Allah, purifying wealth, and fulfilling the right of the needy.

The Muslim begins by determining the type of wealth he owns, reaching the nisab, and the passing of a year in what a year is a condition for. The details differ according to the wealth; so one should not rely on a general estimate in precise issues.

The Qur'an made clear the recipients of zakat, and it is not right to spend it by sentiment alone. The payer needs to know the eligible person, verify as far as able, and preserve the dignity of the recipient.