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How much Zakat should I pay?The general amount of Zakat is 2.5% of the total assets that are liable for Zakat. This can vary depending on the type of assets.
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Can I pay Zakat in advance?Yes, it’s permissible to pay Zakat in advance if you are certain you will own wealth above the Nisab threshold by the time Zakat becomes due.
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Why do we take gold Nisab?Although there are both views on which Nisab should be used to determine Zakah eligibility, many contemporary ulama hold the view that the gold Nisab is more suitable for this era. One may refer to the resolution by the American Fiqh Academy for more details.
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Is there a specific time to give Zakat during Ramadan?While Zakat can be given at any time during the year, many prefer to give during Ramadan due to the belief that rewards for good deeds are multiplied during this month.
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Are debts deducted when calculating Zakat?Yes, when calculating Zakat, one should first deduct any debts owed from their total assets.
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Can I split my Zakat among different recipients?Yes, you can distribute your Zakat among different eligible recipients as you see fit.
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Do you have any auditors to ensure Zakah funds are used properly?We have a team of internal auditors who conduct an audit every six months. We also hire an external auditor to conduct an annual audit. Reports for each audit are to be published and will be available on our site. You may refer to our zakah policy for more details. See below excerpt from Zakat Policy: The Institution will have an external auditor to perform annual audits. This may be a single auditor or a team of auditors. The external auditor(s) are meant as a control function to ensure the internal audit reports are accurate. The external auditor(s) will have access to any documents they deem necessary within three business days after request. The external auditor(s) will also issue a report on their findings.
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Who should pay Zakat?Any Muslim who possesses a specific amount of wealth or financial assets (known as Nisab) is obligated to pay Zakat.
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Can Zakat be given to non-Muslims?Although traditionally Zakat is given to Muslims in need, some scholars argue that non-Muslims living in dire conditions may also be considered eligible recipients.
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Do you use Zakah funds on advertisements?We do not use any zakah funds for overhead, advertisements, transfer costs, etc. 100% of proceeds are used on zakah-eligible recipients. We use general donation funds (which are collected and stored separately) to cover any operational costs. You may refer to our zakah policy for more details. Please see excerpt from zakat policy: The Institution will not use any zakāh funds for operating expenses. For the purpose of this policy, “operating expenses” refer to any costs of delivering the funds, salaries, advertisement costs, etc.
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Can I pay Zakat to a family member?Yes, you can pay Zakat to a family member, as long as they fall into the categories of eligible recipients and they are not your spouse or your direct descendants or ascendants.
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To whom should Zakat be given?Zakat should be distributed to those in need, which may include the poor, the needy, travelers, those in debt, and others specified in the Quran.
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What happens if I miss a year of Zakat?If you miss a year of Zakat, you should make it up as soon as possible. Missed Zakat is considered a debt that you owe and must be paid.
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How to calculate Zakat?To calculate Zakat, one must first determine their total assets subject to Zakat, subtract any debts, and then apply the 2.5% rate to the remainder.
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Where are our Zakah funds mainly concentrated?Our first goal is to provide aid for educational tuition for Islamic Schools and universities. Thereafter, we provide assistance to those who require basic necessities, such as food, water & hygiene. At this time, we only cater to local zakat recipients.
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What if I own wealth but it does not reach the Nisab?If your wealth does not reach the Nisab, you are not required to pay Zakat.
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Can I give Zakat to charitable organizations?Yes, you can give Zakat to charitable organizations, provided they distribute the funds to eligible recipients.
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Are there any exceptions to who should pay Zakat?Yes, minors and the mentally incapacitated are exempted from paying Zakat, as are those who do not possess wealth above the Nisab.
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Do you use Zakah funds for any overhead costs?We do not use any zakah funds for overhead, advertisements, transfer costs, etc. 100% of proceeds are used on zakah-eligible recipients. We use general donation funds (which are collected and stored separately) to cover any operational costs. You may refer to our zakah policy for more details. See below excerpt from Zakat Policy: The Institution will not use any zakāh funds for operating expenses. Instead, the Institution should have a separate fund to collect donations for operating expenses.
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Is Zakat applicable only to money?No, Zakat is applicable to all forms of wealth including savings, investments, gold, silver, livestock, agricultural produce, and commercial goods.
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How do you ensure recipients are eligible?We screen potential eligible recipients by having them fill out forms confirming their financial details. We then ask for secondary documents such as bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, etc. as needed. After the documents are approved by the zakah administrator, the internal Sharia team then conducts a secondary review to ensure compliance. See below excerpt from Zakat Policy: The Institution shall require any applicant to sign the zakāh eligibility form (See Appendix A) and statement of assets from (See Appendix B). The Institution may also seek additional secondary documents from the applicant to confirm eligibility. These documents include: Bank statements Tax returns Pay stubs Proof of debt The Institution may reject an application if they are not satisfied with the documentation proving eligibility.
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What is the Nisab?Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before they are liable to pay Zakat. This amount is often equivalent to the value of 3 ounces of gold.
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What is Zakat?Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, a mandatory act of charity given by Muslims who can afford it to assist those in need.
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Can I use Zakat to build mosques or schools?No, Zakat cannot be used for building mosques or schools. It should be given directly to those in need.
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What happens if I knowingly avoid paying Zakat?Intentionally evading Zakat is considered a serious sin in Islam and can lead to severe consequences in the afterlife.
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Do you use Zakah funds for admin salaries?We do not use any zakah funds for overhead, advertisements, transfer costs, etc. 100% of proceeds are used on zakah-eligible recipients. We use general donation funds (which are collected and stored separately) to cover any operational costs. You may refer to our zakah policy for more details. The Institution will not use any zakāh funds for operating expenses.
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When should Zakat be paid?Zakat is typically paid once a year during the month of Ramadan. However, it can be paid at any time of the year.
Questions?

Reach out to us via e-mail: zakat@najaminstitute.org
100% of donation will be given to families and students in desperate need of financial assistance.
All donations are tax deductible. Najam Institute Foundation Inc is a registered 501(c)(3), Tax ID 83-4231488
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