What is Zakat?
Zakat is the compulsory form of almsgiving and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Any mentally competent adult Muslim whose wealth exceeds a certain threshold, known as the Nisāb must donate 2.5% of that wealth annually to eligible recipients.
““Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.”
[Al Quran 2:277]
What is Nisab?
What Is Nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. It serves as the threshold for Zakat eligibility.
Traditionally, the Nisab is calculated based on the value of gold or silver, specifically 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
Nisab value (as of 28th February 2025)
Using gold value (87.48 grams) approximately £3201.00
Using silver value (612.36 grams) approximately £726.00
If your wealth exceeds either of these values for one lunar year, you are required to pay Zakat.
Use our free and easy Zakat Calculator to calculate how much you owe.
Importance of Zakat in Islam
“And be steadfast in prayer and give Zakat: And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah.”
[Al Quran 2:110]
In Islam Zakat was mandated as a mean of creating a more just and compassionate society whereby those with wealth donated a portion of it towards the welfare of those less fortunate. It is thus a right the poor have over us.
Your contribution helps LRBT provide free, high quality eye care to eligible individuals across Pakistan, changing their futures with the gift of vision.
Zakat is not just a religious obligation, it is a powerful force for change. At LRBT, your Zakat transforms lives by restoring sight to those who need it most. It enables the well-off to uplift the less fortunate, ease the suffering of those in hardship, and offer hope to those in despair.
Zakat Eligibility: Who Qualifies to Receive Zakat?
According to the Quran [Surah At-Tawbah 9:60], Zakat is distributed among eight categories (asnaf) of beneficiaries:
Zakat (alms) is only for the Fuqara’ (the poor), and Al-Masakin (the needy) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.”
[Al Quran 9:60]
- Al‑Fuqārā – the poor
- Al‑Masākīn – the needy
- Al‑ʿĀmilīn ʿAlayhā – those administering Zakat
- Al‑Muʾallafatu Qulūbuhum – new Muslims or those inclined to Islam
- Ar‑Riqāb – to free captives or those oppressed
- Al‑Gharimīn – those burdened by debt
- Fī Sabīlillāh – those striving in the cause of Allah
- Ibnus‑Sābil – stranded travellers
How Does LRBT Verify Zakat Eligibility?
Our trained in-house Zakat counsellors conduct evaluations to assess patient eligibility based on Shariah guidelines. This process is closely supervised by our onboard Shariah Advisor to ensure full compliance with Islamic law.
