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Blessed With Barakah​

‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) narrates the following incident from Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):

On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sent me to collect the zakat that was due on the people’s wealth. While collecting zakat from the people, I passed by a Sahaabi who also needed to discharge his zakat. Accordingly, this Sahabi gathered all his camels and presented them to me so that I could calculate the zakat due on the camels. After examining the camels, I determined that his zakat on the camels amounted to a single one-year-old she-camel.

I thus said to him, “You need to discharge a single one-year-old she-camel as this is the zakat due on your camels.” Hearing this, the man replied, “A one-year-old she-camel neither gives milk nor can it be used as a conveyance (hence, there is very little benefit in it). Instead of a one-year-old she-camel, here is a young, strong, large, and fat she-camel. Take this camel..” I replied, “I cannot take that which I was not instructed to take. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is nearby. If you wish to go to him and present to him what you presented to me, you may do so. If Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) accepts your offer (to give a better camel in zakat), I will take the camel from you, but if he does not accept your offer, I will not take the camel.”

The man replied, “I will do as you suggest.” He thus accompanied me to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), bringing with him the superior camel that he wished to give in zakat. When we came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he addressed him saying, “O Nabi of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Your messenger came to me to collect the zakat due on my wealth. By the oath of Allah! Neither Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) nor the messenger of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has ever collected the zakat due on my wealth before (i.e. this is the first time that I am fortunate enough to discharge zakat on my animals). I thus gathered all my animals for your messenger who claimed that I only have to discharge a single one-year-old she-camel. However, such a camel neither provides milk nor can it be used as a conveyance. I presented him with a large, strong camel and asked him to take it, but he refused. Here is the camel, I have brought it to you, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Please accept it from me.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “It is only a single one-year-old she-camel that is compulsory upon you. However, if you wish to voluntarily give a better camel, Allah Ta‘ala will reward you for it and we will accept it from you.” The man said, “Here it is, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so accept it from me!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus accepted it from him, gave the instruction for the camel to be taken from him, and made special du‘aa for this Sahabi to be blessed with barakah in his wealth.

Many years later, during the period of the rule of Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) was sent to this very same Sahabi to collect his zakat. At this time, the zakat due on the camels of this Sahaabi was 30 three-year-old camels, as he now owned 1500 camels in total! (This was on account of the special du‘aa for barakah that Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam] had made for him.)

(Sunan Abi Dawood #1583 and Musnad Ahmad #21280)

Lessons:
1. The sign of true love and devotion is that a person happily and wholeheartedly goes the extra mile. Imagine asking a person to lend you a pot to cook biryani, and instead, he gives you a pot of hot, steaming, fragrant biryani! At that moment, one will undoubtedly feel gratitude and develop a love for the person who ‘went the extra mile’. Similarly, we should not suffice merely fulfilling the faraa-idh (obligations). Rather, we should go the ‘extra mile’, as this draws the special love and blessing of Allah Ta‘ala.

2. When giving something in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, we should ensure that it is fit to be given in His path. It should not be rotten, broken, unusable, or tattered. The better the item that we give, the greater our reward will be.

3. When the Sahabi offered to give a better camel in zakat, Ubayy (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) refused to accept it as he did not know whether it was allowed or not. Hence, he insisted that they refer the matter to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Likewise, we should refer all matters in our Deen to the righteous, knowledgeable ‘Ulama so that we can get guidance and direction in our lives.

4. There is no value that can be attached to barakah. When a person is blessed with barakah, his life will be one of happiness and posterity. We should thus try to please Allah Ta‘ala at all times so that we do not deprive ourselves of His barakah.

What Is Zakah, Benefits, And Punishment For Not Paying Zakah

What Is Zakah?
Zakah is an obligatory form of “charity” expected from every Muslim individual. Zakat can be defined as that portion of a man’s wealth that is designated for the poor. The term is derived from the Arabic verbal root meaning to increase, to purify, and to bless. “Take Sadaqah from their property in order to purify and sanctify them” (Al-Quran 9:103)

It refers to the purification of a Muslim’s wealth and soul. To “purify” is to purify them from the faults of stinginess, greed and meanness, and lack of remorse towards the needy, and other similar depravities.

“Zakat is for the poor, and the needy, and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by Allah, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the Wise”. At Taubah 9: 60

Benefits Of Zakah
Zakat is for the welfare of the unprivileged and establishes a society on humanitarian grounds. Zakat also purifies the heart of the recipient from jealousy and hatred toward those who are wealthy in the material sense. Zakat also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth and is an essential element in attaining mutual love, cooperation, and solidarity among members of Moslem society.

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “He who discharges Zakah of his property, his sins shall leave him.”

“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn; it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grain. Allah gives manifold increase to whom he pleases.” (2:26)

In the above verse 2:26, Allah has promised that He will repay hundredfold in the hereafter what a believer spent in the way of Allah.

The Nisaab (Minimum ‘Zakatable’ Income)
The Nisaab is defined as the minimum wealth that one must hold for one year, at the end of which Zakat is payable. The Nisaab of gold is three ounces or about 85 grams of pure gold and of silver is 596 grams of pure silver. All Muslims (minor or adult) with a set minimum level of income and assets are expected to pay Zakat of at least 2.5%.

Types Of Zakah

1. Zakah On Business (URAD AL TIJARAH)
In this context, business refers to any form of trading activity that generates income (i.e. Buying and selling, for the sake of profit e.g. foodstuffs, furniture, animals, land, etc). Anyone who owns a business with a minimum working capital (Stock and Cash) must pay Zakat.

Formula: 2.5% x [(Current Assets – Current Liabilities)

2. Zakah On Rental Income
Formula: 2.5% x [Total Annual Rental Revenue – Rental Expenses]

3. Zakah On Agricultural Produce
Zakah On Agriculture Is Due Upon Each Harvest If It Is Equal To 2 Wasq (A Measure That’s Equal To 653 Kg).

Zakat is payable on all agricultural produce including fruits, commercially grown flowers, vegetables, and all types of grains at the time of harvest itself. The Zakat levy on agricultural produce varies according to the way the land is irrigated.

a) The Zakat is 10% of the land produce if the land is irrigated by streams, rivers (running water), or rainfall (without human effort).
b) The Zakat is 5% of the land produce if the land is irrigated by wells (or by artificial canal systems, tank water, or bore well and open well) There is no deduction out of this on any account.
c) For crops dependent partly on rainwater and partly on other water (Irrigation), the Zakat applicable would be 7.5% of produce.

4. Zakah On Personal Income (e.g. Salary)
In this context, personal income refers to the salary/wages, commissions, allowances, bonuses, and monetary gifts earned by a zakah payer through permissible (halal) activities.

Zakat is payable When the total annual salary (i.e. salary per month multiplied by 12 months) earned by an individual is equal to or greater than the price of 596 grams of pure silver.
Formula: 2.5% x [Total Salary for the Year + Any Other Income/allowances]

Narrated ‘Abdullah: The Prophet said, “Who among you considers the wealth of his heirs dearer to him than his own wealth?” They replied, “O Allah’s Apostle! There is none among us but loves his own wealth more.” The Prophet said, “So his wealth is whatever he spends (in Allah’s Cause) during his life (on good deeds) while the wealth of his heirs is whatever he leaves after his death.”

5. Zakah On Animals:

Goats and Sheep
Up to 39 Goats/Sheep=No Zakat
From 40 to 120 Goats/Sheep=1 goat
From 121 to 200 Goats/Sheep=2 goats
From 201 to 300 Goats/Sheep=3 goats
Thereafter 300 on 1 goat for every 100 Goats/Sheep

Cows and Oxen
Up to 29 cows= No Zakat
From 30 to 39 cows=1 one-year-old male or female calf.
From 40 to 59 cows =1 two-year-old male or female
From 60 to 69 cows =2 one-year-old male or female
From 70 to 79 cows =1 one-year-old and 1 two-year-old male or female
From 80 to 89 cows =2 two-year-old male or female
From 90 to 99 cows =3 one-year-old male or female
From 100 to 109 cows =1 two-year-old male or female
From 110 to 119 cows =2 two-year and 1 one-year-old male or female
From 120 to 129 cows =3 two-year-old or 4 one-year-old male or female
Thereafter 130 on 1 one-year-old for each 30 or 1 two-year-old for each 40.

Please Note:
· The person who owns different types of wealth e.g. animals, commercial goods and gold and silver must give Zakat on each category of wealth separately.

· Zakat must be given in kind, that is, if one’s wealth is in cattle, one must pay in cattle rather than their equivalent in money;

· Items of everyday use that are not meant for trade, such as household utensils, clothes; tools and machinery used for further production or business operation, and animals used in agriculture are not Zakatable

Where Should One Pay His Zakah?
Zakat can be paid at the mosque near you so the mosque committee or the Imaam can distribute it to the poor and needy that are entitled to get it. You can also give it to any Reputable Muslim Charitable Organization of your choice.

Please Also Note: A Muslim’s primary responsibility is to pay the Zakat, not to supervise how it is spent. Refusal to pay the Zakat for fear of it being misappropriated is punishable by Allah as indicated below.

Punishment For Those Who Refuses To Pay Zakah
Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) has strongly warned those who are negligent in the fulfillment of these duties. Thus He said, “Those who hoard up treasures of gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah; give them the news of a painful punishment, on the Day when that (wealth) will be heated in the Fire of Hell and with it will be branded their forehead, their sides, and their backs, (and it will be said to them:) ‘This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard.'” [Al-Quran 9:34-35]

‘Let not those who are miserly with what God has given them of His bounty think that this is good for them. Rather, it is bad for them. That which they withhold shall be hung around their necks on the Day of Arising.’ [Al-Quran 3:180]

Further, At-Tabarani relates, on the authority of ‘Ali, that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has enjoined upon rich Muslims a due to be taken from their properties corresponding to the needs of the poor among them. The poor will never suffer from starvation or lack of clothes unless the rich neglect their due. If they do, Allah will surely hold them accountable and punish them severely.” (Related by At-Tabarani in Al-‘Aswat and as-Saghir).

What Are The ‘Five Pillars’ Of Islam?

They are the framework of Muslim life:

  • faith
  • prayer
  • concern for the needy
  • self-purification
  • pilgrimage to Makkah [for those who are able]

Faith

There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa’Llah – ‘there is no god except God’; ilaha [god] can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God — wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa’Llah: ‘except God’, the Source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun Rasulullah: ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

Prayer

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success [in this life and the Hereafter]! Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.

Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language.
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

The ‘Zakat’

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes, this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s capital.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider meaning. The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.’ He was asked: ‘What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet [PBUH] replied: ‘He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.’ The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘He should urge others to do good.’ The Companions said, ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.’

The Fast

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast [and to observe the prayer] from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.

Pilgrimage (Hajj)

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah — the Hajj — is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year [which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter]. Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka’aba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafat and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment.

In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.

The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.

Purification Of Wealth

“Establish Salah and pay Zakah and bow down with those who bow down in worship.” Al- Quran [al-Baqarah, 2:43]

Allah has related a story of some people who were earning that which Allah was providing them. However, they believed that they were earning their wealth because of their hard work and they forgot that it is actually Allah who provided them with what they had earned. They said why should we share our wealth with the needy people as it belongs to us because we had been working hard for it. Allah then tested them until they finally returned to their Lord in submission. Allah says in Surah al-Qalam:

“Surely We shall try them as We tried the owners of the garden when they swore that they would pluck its fruit the next morning, without adding any reservation ( such as Insha’Allah, God willing). So a calamity from your Lord came down upon it while they slept, and by the morning it lay as if it had been already harvested. At daybreak they called out to one another, saying: ‘Go out early to your crop if you want to pick its fruit.’ So they went, whispering to one another: ‘ Let no needy person enter upon you in the garden today.’ Thus they went out, fixed in their stingy resolve. But when they saw the garden, they cried: ‘Surely we must have lost our way! Nay, we have become destitute.’ The most upright among them said: ‘Did I not tell you to glorify Allah? Why did you not glorify him?’ Then they said: ‘Glory be to our Lord! Surely we were unjust,”. (And they started blaming one another).

Finally, they said: ‘”Woe to us! Surely we had become rebellious. It may be that our Lord will give us in exchange a better garden than this: surely to our Lord do we make our humble petition.’ Such is the punishment in this life, but the punishment in the Hereafter is even greater if they but knew it.” [al-Qalam – 68:17-33]

There is another story in the Qur’an. Qaroon was a wealthy man from Bani-Israael, (” And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men”). His belief was that he had earned all his wealth because of his own intelligence or knowledge, (Qaroon said: “This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess.”). Allah then destroyed him and all his wealth,” So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.” [Surah al-Qasas]

Allah has made Zakah obligatory for Muslims to protect& purify our wealth. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi was- sallam) said”Allah has made Zakat obligatory simply to purify your remainingproperty,..” [Abu Dawud]. We should know that the one Who favors us can also take back what He had given us. We should also remember that Zakah does not replace Sadaqah. Zakah is obligatory on those who are entitled to pay, whereas Sadaqah (charity) can be given by anyone including those who have a minimum or just a little more than nothing. Even a smile could be a Sadaqah.

“And in their properties, there was the right of the beggar, and the mahroom” [51:19]

Allah says about the Muttaqeen that they spend their income on those who ask them [beggars, lilssaili] as well as on those who are needy but they do not ask for help [Mahroom]. A beggar could be truly in need or could be a habitual one. However, it is the nobility of character that one should always give something when asked by someone. Even if a billionaire asks us for something, we should not let him go without anything, at least give him something. We should give according to our standard. How would you think about a millionaire giving a penny to charity?

“O believers, spend in Allah’s Way the best portion of the wealth you have lawfully earned and that which We have produced for you from the earth, and do not pick out for charity those worthless things that you yourselves would not accept but with closed eyes.
Bear in mind that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” [al-Baqarah – 2:267]

Allah says that those people who are saved from the greediness and love of wealth, it is they who are successful.

“So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey; and spend in charity, that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, (waman yooqa shuhha nafsihi) then they are the successful ones.” [at-Taghabun – 64:16]

“And spend of that with which We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says: “My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah (or Zakat) of my wealth, and be among the righteous. [al-Munafiqoon – 63:10]

“And Al-Muttaqoon will be far removed from it (Hell).

He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, And have in his mind no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return, Except only the desire to seek the good pleasure of his Lord, the Highest; Such persons shall soon be well-pleased with Allah.” [al-Lail – 92:17-21]

Zakat: The Third Pillar of Islam

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. In importance, it is next to prayer and the commandments concerning Zakat and prayer in the Holy Qur’an occur together.

Zakat literally means purification, growth, righteousness, and blessing. According to the Shariah or Islamic law, it denotes a specific amount in the wealth of Muslims due for distribution among the needy in the community. The obligatory character of Zakat and punishment for those unmindful of this responsibility are spelled out in the Holy Qur’an thus: “Take sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them.” (9:103) and;

“… And those who hoard the gold and silver (Al-Kanz: the money, the Zakat of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the Way of Allah, announce unto them a painful torment – on the Day when that (Al-Kanz) will be heated in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks and their backs. “This is the (treasure) which you hoarded for yourselves: Now taste of what you used to hoard.” (9:34)

The payment of Zakat has a healthy impact on the giver, the recipient and the society at large. It purifies the assets of the giver, retains his quest for material goods and creates in him the virtue of sharing his wealth with others. It uplifts him from a life of material pursuit to a life endued with moral purpose.

Zakat satisfies the recipient’s needs and alleviates his suffering. Poverty is an invitation to disbelief; it may kill virtue. That is why Islam, instead of abandoning the poor to the caprice of the rich, makes a compelling demand for Zakat payment. The payer gives Zakat as an act of worship, while the destitute receives it as a right, without any obligation towards the payer.

Zakat thus creates love and brotherhood between the rich and the poor, minimizes social tensions and bridges the gap between the haves and the have-nots. It provides social and economic security to the Muslim community and brings its members closer together. Its rewards are boundless.

According to some Islamic scholars, Zakat in the legal sense means “a right on wealth” or “the specified part of wealth designated by Allah to be given to certain beneficiaries.” Zakat is not a tax.

It is a spiritual-material obligation on every Muslim in possession of a minimum amount of wealth, or more, for a period of one lunar year. The minimum Zakat payable on monetary wealth and on gold and silver is 2.5 per cent, or the 40th part of the wealth.

There are eight conditions which make Zakat obligatory, some of them relating to the owner and others to the possessions. They are: Anyone owning Zakatable wealth must be a Muslim, free person (not a slave), of sound mind, an adult, in complete ownership of his wealth, in possession of such wealth which is over and above the requirements to satisfy the essential needs of the owner and of those legitimately dependent on him or her, free from debt, and in possession of a defined quantity of wealth for one complete lunar year.

Zakat is not obligatory on those who have not reached the age of puberty. A child is not required to pay Zakat even if he or she is the owner of enough wealth which makes Zakat obligatory on an adult. The moment a minor reaches the age of puberty, the regulations relating to Zakat will become applicable. According to some Islamic scholars, however, the guardian of such a child should pay Zakat on behalf of the minor.

Zakat is calculated on the wealth possessed by a person, and unless and until he or she attains the minimum quantity of the specified wealth, he or she is not liable to pay Zakat. This minimum limit is known in the Shariah as Nisab.

The person who has the specified minimum and over is considered wealthy enough to pay Zakat and, in this manner, share his wealth with the indigent. Besides cash, Zakat is applicable only to the following categories of wealth: gold, silver, livestock that graze, and all types of commercial merchandise.

The possession of 7.5 tolas (87.48 grams) minimum gold or 52.5 tolas (612.36 grams) minimum silver, or their equivalent of cash, for one lunar year makes one liable to pay Zakat at the rate of 2.5 percent. It is payable on the minimum and whatever is in excess thereof. If someone possesses some gold and some silver but the quantity of each of the metals does not reach the minimum limit by itself, but they touch the minimum value if put together, then Zakat will become payable on the total.

Gold and silver in any shape or form – jewelry, utensils, etc. are all considered as wealth and Zakat becomes payable on them if the weight reaches the minimum limit and their possession completes 12 lunar months.

All jewelry made of gold or silver is subject to the payment of Zakat if the quantity reaches or exceeds the Nisab limit and remains in possession for 12 months, even if the jewelry is used everyday by the owner or kept for future use, because gold and silver in any form are liable for payment of Zakat. The same is applicable to gold and silver utensils.

Some other schools of Fiqh are of the view that the jewelry worn in normal use of Muslim women of that social status is exempt from Zakat.

Clothes, irrespective of cost and quantity, are exempted from Zakat. But if they have gold or/and silver embroidered or thread work on them, and the weight of gold or/and silver metal used therein reaches or exceeds the minimum Nisab limit, then Zakat will have to be paid on that portion alone at the end of every 12 months.

The amount of money possessed by one which could purchase the minimum Nisab quantity of gold or silver will be regarded as eligibility for the Nisab for the purpose of Zakat. If a person possesses, say, five tolas of gold or 25 tolas of silver, but he also possesses enough cash to purchase 2.5 tola of gold or 27.5 tolas of silver, then he will be considered as having reached the Nisab limit and will be liable to pay Zakat.

There is no Zakat on pearls and/or precious stones, provided they are not meant for trade or investment. Whenever a person’s wealth reaches the minimum Nisab, from that date calculation of the year will begin for the purpose of Zakat and Zakat will have to be paid on the completion of 12 months of the Hijra calendar.