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Salam Everyone Does anyone know of any organisations in Turkey through which one can pay Zakat-al-Fitrah? Thank you

Assalaam Malaikum brothers and sisters, I have a few questions about Zakat as religious duty, as I am trying to learn more about Islam. My first questions is what is the difference between paying Zakat and paying Khums? What are the best websites or articles I could goto to find out more? My second question is if I were to be giving to any charity in general (such as a charity organization for the poor and homeless - but without any religious affiliation) would that be considered paying zakat? Or would I need to pay zakat to strictly an Islamic organization designed for charity? Thank you very much for reading and looking forward to some direction on these questions, Insha'Allah. Alhamdulilah!

Assalam alaikum, Just wanted to ask which charities you all recommend? Preferably 100% donation policy or as good as. please include websites and only include ones that communicate on their site using English. Jazak Allahu kheir!

Salam, Can someone tell me what the difference is between zakat, khums and sadaqa! Many thanks.

Alsalamu Alaykum The concept of Zakat in the Qur’an and the Sunnah is considerably more expansive than the limited strictures of the law and may be understood at several levels. Arabic dictionaries offer two basic meanings for the tri-literal verb ‘z k y’ from which the noun ‘Zakat’ is derived. The first meaning is ‘to thrive, to grow and to increase’.[1] The other meaning offered is ‘to become pure, to be just and righteous’.[2] This meaning may be applied to material items in the Qur’an [3] where the word ‘tazakki’ is used synonymously with ‘tutahhir’ (to purify) and it can also be applied to the human self [4] Thereafter, the term ‘Zakat’ has been used in the Qur’an to mean both obligatory Zakat and general, recommended Zakat in the sense of charity (Sadaqah).[5] Thus Shi’a Muslims may decide to give out any amount from their wealth as charity, a practice that is highly recommended in Imami teachings and therefore they would be rightly considered as properly applying the Qur’anic teachings on Zakat. When Shi‘a jurists refer to the sunnah, after studying and analyzing all the authentic ahãdith on this subject, they reach to the following two conclusions: 1. Zakãt is wãjib (obligatory) on the following nine items: Coins: silver; gold Cattle: cows; sheep and goats; camels Crops: wheat; barley; dates; raisins 2. Zakãt is mustaab (recommended) on other items that can be weighed or other things that grow from the earth. In conclusion, the term “zakãt” as used in the Qur’ãn does not necessarily mean the same as the “zakãt” listed in the furu‘-e dín or the five pillars of Islamic teachings. Majority of our people read the Qur’ãnic term “zakãt” in the light of what they have been taught about “zakãt” as one of the wãjib taxes in Islam. The reality is otherwise. In many places, the Qur’ãn uses the term “sadaqa” for the wãjib zakãt, and conversely it uses the term “zakãt” for recommended charity. In this regard, the jurist (mujtahid) is bound to follow the sources; if the sources clearly confine the items of compulsory zakãt to nine, then they cannot go by their personal inclination and extend that list. In order to extend that list, they need clear proof in the religious sources to suggest that these items were only applicable to those days and may be increased in future. But there are no such indications in the ahãdíth. For more info visit: www.islamportal.net/book/forty-ahadith-zakat-40-ahadith-sublime-purification-zakat http://www.islamic-laws.com/pdf/... Raqib Esfahani, Al-Mufradat fi qarib al-quran, Beirut, 1991, pg 380 E.W.Lane, An Arabic-English Lexicon, Beirut, 1968, vol.3, pg 406 The Qur’an 9:103 The Qur’an 87:14, 3:163, 62:2 and 35:18 The Qur’an 5:55, 19:31, 19:55 and 21:73

Salamualaykum Does anyone know how centres and organisations distribute Zakat al Fitr? As in, my Marja says that at least 3.5kg worth should be given per poor person. ALL centres that we have here in the UK follow Maraja who state that 3kg is enough. I have messaged the centre asking them to pay 3.5kg worth on our behalf, but I'm not sure if they will do it. My question is: Does the method in which organisations distribute Zakat al Fitr cover my requirements already? How much do they give each poor person? I have a strong feeling that I'm missing something here. Hope I'm making sense Thanks in advance, any help will be appreciated. Wassalam

Guys I randomly fell on an article online of a photographer who was in Syria during the latest attack and it just broke my heart. He was there he saw everything the picture of him crying describes the level of horror the country is going through. I feel bad because I am currently bothered about what my life isn't offering me and not giving me what I want whereas they are people and children living hell on earth. I feel like a very selfish person but at the same time, I don't know how to help. Even if I want to give zakat I want to give a good amount but as a student who lives at their parent's house, I don't really have something to give except prayers. Does someone feel the same ? What is the best way to help people in need when you are just a teenager? I beg Allah to help all the Syrians and all the people in need especially children and women. I beg for Allah to send blessings upon them and to give them a safe land Ameen

Assalam O Alaikum! I want to understand the difference between Zakat and Khums with Reference to Quran and Hadith. If there are different opinions on Zakat and Khums, please do share! I am here with the purpose of learning and understanding. Kind regards, Muhammad Danial

Salams My understanding is that Sunni Muslims do not permit giving Zakat to non-Muslims.[Source: Link]. However, Al-Mawrid Foundation [Sunni] and its fellows generally tend to present different narratives on many matters including this one. Their video on this topic is as per below. In comparison, I wanted to learn the traditional Shia view. What have the Ahl-ul-bayt taught regarding giving zakat to non-Muslims? Is there a difference of opinions among Shia scholars? Is there a difference between modern and classic rulings? etc. @Ibn al-Hassan @Qa'im

Alsalamu alaykum إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَاللَّـهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ. Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [The Quran, 9:60] As for where Zakat money must be spent, the Grand Ayatullahs have said: “Zakat can be spent for the following eight purposes: a) It may be given to poor person, who does not possess actual or potential means to meet his own expenses, as well as that of his family for a period of one year. However, a person who has an industry or possesses property or capital to meet his expenses, is not classified as poor. b) It may be paid to a miskin (a destitute person) who leads a harder life than a Faqir (a poor person). c) It can be given to a person who is a Wakil of the Holy Imam (A.S.) or his representative to collect Zakat, to keep it in safe custody, to maintain its accounts and to deliver it to the Imam or his representative or to the poor. d) It can be given to those non-Muslims who may, as a result, be inclined to Islam, or may assist the Muslims with the Zakat for fighting against the enemies. e) It can be spent to purchase slaves to set them free. f) It can be given to an indebted person who is unable to repay his debt. g) It may be spent in the way of Allah for things which have common benefit to the Muslims in any way. h) It may be given to a stranded traveler.” On this basis, Islam has introduced those purposes for which the Zakat can be disposed for; the poor and the destitute being some of them. Another one of the groups that the money can be spent on are the non-Muslims who will find an incline towards Islam if they are granted from it. Regarding paying non-Muslims of this money, Islamic scholars have said: “Paying Zakat to non-Muslims who will be inclined towards Islam or will help the Muslims in the case of possible wars is permissible.” For more info visit: http://islamportal.net/node/29350 http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa6609

Alsalamu alaykum « خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ وَاللَّـهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ.» Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Zakat is one of the five pillars on which Islam is built. It is among the obligations of faith. Because of this it has been described by a Prophetic hadith: Prayer may not be accepted from the worshipper who withholds zakat. Zakat is payable on the following kinds of property, each according to certain criteria: 1. Silver and gold coins. There are several conditions that should be present in silver and gold coins to render them taxable: I. The quantity of gold should not be less than mithqal sairafi (of coins and bullion - a unit of weight, equivalent to 4.608 gm). The percentage due is 2.5%. For every three mithqals increase thereafter, the same percentage must be paid. As for silver, the quantity should not be less than one hundred and five mithqals; the percentage due is 2.5%. For every twenty one mithqals thereafter, the same percentage should be paid. II. Eleven months should pass, leading to the twelfth month, while it is still in one’s ownership. III. Silver and gold should be of the minted type used as a means of monetary exchange. IV. The ability of the owner of these metals to use them freely all year round. Thus, no zakat is due on property over which you have no control, such as lost property, for a generally accepted length of time. V. Adulthood and soundness in mind of the owner, for no zakat shall be due on such coins owned by a minor or a mentally handicapped person. 2. Crops, such as wheat, barley, dates, and raisins. The minimum weight taxable of any of these crops, when it is dry, shall be three hundred sa’ (a cubic measure equivalent to approximately 847 kgs). The amount of zakat deductible is according to the following criteria: I. If the land cultivated with these crops is irrigated by either rain or river water that does not call for great effort, the zakat shall be 10%. II. If it is irrigated by hand, a pump, or the like, zakat payable shall be 5%. III. If the source of irrigation varies, i.e. using both the ways mentioned in (I) and (II), payment of zakat shall be at the rate of 7.5%, unless either way of irrigation was used sparingly. In this case, the rate shall be charged in line with the predominant way applied. 3. Camel, cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The criteria for payment of zakat on these types of livestock are the following: I. When their respective numbers reach certain figures. Insofar as camels are concerned, a minimum number of five camels would warrant one sheep of zakat. As for sheep, the minimum, on which zakat is due, is forty. One sheep should be given away in zakat for that number of sheep. In respect of cattle and buffaloes, the minimum that is taxable is thirty of either. Zakat payable on that number is a calf that has just entered the second year of its life. II. Such livestock must be of the kind that graze in the fields. Should it need to be fed by supplements, even during part of the year, there shall be no zakat. III. The owner, or his guardian, should have the right of disposal over his livestock throughout the year. If any was stolen, for a considerable period of time then returned, no zakat shall be due. IV. A minimum of eleven months, leading to the twelfth month, should have elapsed under the ownership of the same person, before any zakat becomes due. 4. Revenue from trade. It is the capital used, for buying and selling, by a person with the aim of making a profit. The rate of zakat deductible is 2.5% when all the following conditions are met: I. The owner should have attained adulthood and be sound in mind. II. The property should attain the minimum outlined in silver and gold monetary means of exchange. III. The lapse of one (tax) year on it, in kind, from the date it was intended for trading and making profit. IV. The intention to make profit should remain constant during the entire year. In other words, if you appropriate some of the money you set aside for the purpose of trading, or spend part of it on buying provisions during that year, no zakat shall be due. V. The right of having free hand in the capital throughout the entire year. VI. The aim behind the working capital should be economic activity, i.e. not tying it up. For more info visit: http://www.sistani.org/english/book/49/2410/

Asalam o Alaikum, I follow ayatullah sistani regarding the furuhi matters. however, the tauzeeh of ayatullah sistani is unclear to me on zakat obligation. For reference let me quote 1907. "Zakat on gold and silver becomes obligatory only when they are made into coins, and are in currency for transactions. Zakat should, however, be paid on them even if their stamp has been effaced." 1908. "It is obligatory, as a precaution, to pay Zakat on coined gold and silver worn by women as ornaments, as long as such coins are legal tenders, that is, transactions are made with them as gold and silver currency. It is not, obligatory to pay Zakat on them if they have ceased to be legal tenders." From the above two what i understand is that zakat is not applicable on the regular jewelry that our females wear. IS IT REALLY THE CASE? I am confused. Kindly shed some light fast as I have to finalize the payment of zakat in case i really have to pay. JazakAllah Arsalan

http://www.the-tls.co.uk/tls/public/article1634311.ece As a theory of ethics Utilitarianism is very flawed, so yes, it's good to give money to guide dog charities, but the article makes a good point that we need to pay more attention to the impact our charity will have and try and give charitably in an effective way.

Asslam-o-alikum I want to know how much zakat i have to pay on 10 gm gold bought for saving purpose?

(BISMILLAH) (SAlam) I hope you are all in the best of health and Iman. Since a number of threads about Khums and Saadat have been cropping up recently, while trying to answer one of them, a question came up in my mind. If the point is to help all poor, whether Syed or not and whether through Khums or Zakat, why do our laws make Khums the exclusive source from which poor Saadat can be helped with? Why not just allow all the poor, whether Syed or not, to be helped from the Zakat? Why is Zakat haraam for the Syeds? While I remember coming across the reasoning sometime ago, in a lecture, I've now forgotten so I would be very grateful if someone could shed some light on the matter.

(salam) Eid Mubarak to all of you inshAllah, may Allah forgive our sins and accept our prayers. In case somebody forgot, or has questions, I'm leaving this here: (wasalam) The numbered rulings are according to the fatawa of Ayatullah Al-Udhma Seyyid Ali Al-Husaini Seestani, Dama Dhilluhu The rulings in brackets are according to the fatawa of Ayatullah Al-Udhma Seyyid Abulqassim Al-Khui, Ridhwanullahi Alayhi Payment of fitrah becomes wajib (obligatory) after sunset on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr on a person who is baligh (attained puberty), aqil (sane), and is neither needy, nor indigent nor unconscious for himself and all his dependants wherever and whoever they are. For the purpose of fitrah, dependants include guests who are present at the host’s house at the time of sunset on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, if a guest comes without the consent of the host, his fitrah becomes wajib upon the host on the basis of ehtiyat wajib (obligatory precaution). This ruling also applies to a person who is forcibly made to maintain another person. The fitrah of a guest arriving after sunset even if he was invited earlier is not upon the host, unless he is a dependant of the host. (Ehtiyat Mustahab to pay for uninvited guest or one forcibly maintained.) Fitrah should be given from wheat, barley, raisins, rice or millet or its cash value at the rate of one sa’a (about 3 kg.) per head. On the basis of obligatory precaution (ehtiyat wajib), one should not give fitrah from that food which is not staple in his place, even if it be wheat, barley, dates or raisins. (Staple food has not been made a condition). Fitrah is given to a needy person who, according to the shari’a is a faqeer, that is, a person who is not able to meet his living expenses for himself and for his dependants for one whole year, nor does he possess the means to earn a livelihood for himself and his dependants. It is ehtiyat wajib that the fitrah is given to a faqeer who is a Shia Ithna-Asheri. (Ehtiyat Mustahab to give to a Shia Ithna-Asheri Faqeer.) Note: The faqeer to whom fitrah is given need not necessarily be adil, but it is ehtiyat wajib that fitrah should not be given to a person who drinks liquor, or one who does not perform his daily salaat or one who commits sins openly or one who will use the fitrah in a sinful way. A non-Seyyid cannot give fitrah to a Seyyid even if he maintains a Seyyid and pays his fitrah. It is ehtiyat mustahab (recommended precaution) that a faqeer be given a minimum of one full fitrah. More can be given to one person also. (Ehtiyat Wajib to give a minimum of one full fitrah to a person). If a servant is employed on the condition that the employer will pay all his expenses, then the servant’s fitrah becomes wajib upon the employer. But if the condition is the payment of the salary only, then his fitrah is not wajib upon the employer. If the price of one type of grain is double that of the other, one cannot give half the measure of the better grain nor its cash value as fitrah. It is recommended to give preference to one’s relatives when giving fitrah, then to the neighbors and then ahlul ilm (people of learning). Preference, however, can be given to another category of people if there is a good reason to do so. For those who pray Salatul Eid, it is ehtiyat wajib to give the fitrah before the Eid prayers and for those not praying Salatul Eid the time extends up to before Dhuhr. If fitrah is set aside but not distributed by Dhuhr, then whenever it is disbursed, the niyyah (intention) of fitrah should be made. If one does not give out or set aside the fitrah within the due time, he should give the fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the niyyah of adaa or qadhaa but only qurbatan Ilallah. An item set aside for fitrah cannot be used or substituted by another item. On the basis of ehtiyat wajib, fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in if there are deserving people in that town. If one does so and the fitrah gets spoiled or lost then it must be given again. Fitrah cannot be given before the month of Ramadhan and it is better not to give it during the month of Ramadhan. However, if a loan was given to a person who deserves to receive fitrah, then when the fitrah becomes due that amount can be set off against the fitrah. If fitrah is given from a thing which is inferior or defective, it will not be sufficient. FAQ on Zakatul Fitrah (According to Fataawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni Seestani) Q. What is Zakatul Fitrah? A: It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of the month of Ramadhan. This alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah. Q. What do the Qur'an and Hadith say about Fitrah? A: Imams (a) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays (87:14 & 15) refer to giving of Fitrah and saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr. Imam Ja`far as- Sadiq (a) said: for your fast to be accepted, give zakât. Q. When does Fitrah become wajib? A. Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al- Fitr. The Fitrah should be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (niyyah) of giving Fitrah for God's pleasure only. Q. What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time? A. If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the niyyah of adaa or qadhaa but only Qurbatan Ilallah. Q. Can we give Fitrah in advance? A. Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Q. To whom is Fitrah obligatory? A. Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (baligh), sane, financially able, and conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife, children) whom one supports financially. Q. When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest? A. If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host's place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his guest. Q. What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night? A. In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah for the guest. Q. What happens if a guest comes uninvited and is present at the time of the sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr? A. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the host should still pay the Fitrah as an obligatory precaution. However, Marhum Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khui was of the opinion that is recommended for the host to pay Fitrah of an uninvited guest. Q. How much should we pay for Fitrah? A. Fitrah for a person is given on a weight of three kilograms (one sa`a) on any food commodity like wheat, barley, rice, millet, raisins or dates. Ayatullah Seestani is of the opinion that the item that is not a staple food in your town should not be given in Fitrah. Say, for example, if millet is not a staple in Vancouver then Vacouver mumineen should not pay Fitrah on millet. Q. Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above? A. Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. Thus, if a kilo of rice costs $2.00, the cash value of Fitrah on rice per person would be $6.00. We recommend, Fitrah on basmati rice to be Canadian Dollars 7.00 for residents of Canada and US Dollars 6.00 for US residents. (Please check prices for other items in your areas.) Q. Whom should we give the Fitrah to? A. It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependants annual living expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning. Ayatullah As-Seestani says that the needy who is given the fitrah must be a Shi`ah Ithna `Ashari. Q. Who should not be given the Fitrah? A. A needy who: consumes alcohol, does not say his daily prayers (salat), commits sins openly, or he who is known to use the Fitrah in sinful way. Q. Are there any additional rules that we need to be aware of? A. Following are some important rules: (i) Fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in, if there are deserving mumineen in that town. (ii) Fitrah from a non-Sayyid cannot be given to a needy Sayyid; the reverse is permissible. (iii) A needy should be given at least one Fitrah (iv) Amongst the needy, relatives should be preferred over others when giving Fitrah, next in line are neighbors and then the learned.

Hello, I am interested in the gift-giving practices which are present within Islam, both historically and today. I am giving a paper on gift-giving within the Isma'ili faction of Shia Islam and I'm interested in the comparison of this to other factions. I am particularly interested in the history, so any information regarding pre-1500 Islam would be particularly valuable. Are there any etiquettes to giving? The Qu'ran warns about giving with the aim of receiving (74.6), would this forbid giving to those of a higher social level? Charity may be viewed in many ways a fundamental part of the religion, does giving amongst equals hold such an important role within doctrine or practice? I would be grateful for any substantiated pieces of information.

Assalam-o-Alaikum. 1. Can someone give a list of all obligatory and recommended Islamic financial dues (Khums, Zakat, Fitrah, etc)? 2. If possible, provide a comprehensive but straightforward explanation on what it is and how it should be paid (for each). I don't know if the Maraaji' differ regarding them, but in case they do, I would like Khamenei's rulings. JazakAllah.

Listen up guys my cousin in Syria is is a really terrible situation right now and is being forced by her abusive ex-husband to pay 30,000 dollars to buy the home he owns or be left out on the streets. She has no job or savings to support herself. Please, if you could donate anything you can, even if its a dollar, it still counts. Thank you so much brothers and sisters. Please spread this.

Salam all brothers and sisters I need a little help here i have asked many suggestions from people here and most of you have been helpfull which obviously is a job of every hussaini I'm just looking for wazifas or duas for increase and barkat in rizq and whoever has tried and tested wazifas please let me know here know doubt There are many ways to ask from Allah but then there are people whos prayers are answered within a blink of the eye And one more thing i wanted to know that if a person has jus started earning in the family and they are not financially strong Should the person give zakat or khums ? i need a little verification on that because im not clear my self before informing the person so i need accurate information regarding when and how is zakat wajib Thankyou Salam

Assalaamu Alaikum. How to increase the Thawab / Hasnat / rewards of Salah , Saom, Charity , Ablution and othet Ibadats ?

(salam) I hope and pray everyone is doing well. I'm taking a break next semester, and I am damn happy and relieved about it. Now that I know I'm going back, I will have to give Zakat on my own, as my father had been doing it for me since I was away. Every time I drive through all the streets and roads in Karachi, I see numerous beggars and instinct used to dictate to ignore them as you are already giving away Zakat. I've been told that most beggars are part of this big "mafia" or gang of beggars that plan to beg for money and then go spend it on drugs etc. The reason I open this thread is to ask for some wisdom-- ever since I read the famous hadith about Prophet Noah (as) confronted by Shaytan, who mentions three places where he would always be present, one of which was when we would be giving Zakat and Shaytan being there trying to dissuade us from doing so, I thought perhaps in light of this hadith I should give the beggar the benefit of the doubt and just give him Zakat/Sadaqah. Do you think this is wise? Please share your thoughts (Shias only. Sunnis stay out) (wasalam)