Who Needs to Pay Zakat? Let's Understand the Provisions and Conditions!

Kapanlagi.com - Zakat, one of the pillars of Islam that touches not only spiritual aspects but also social ones, plays a vital role in the lives of Muslims. As a form of worship related to economy and society, zakat is an obligation for every Muslim who meets certain criteria. Those responsible for paying zakat are called muzakki, and they have the noble task of distributing zakat to those entitled to receive it.

In Islamic teachings, zakat carries profound meanings such as "growth", "development", "purification", and "blessing". This aligns with Allah SWT's words in QS. at-Taubah [9]: 103, which emphasizes that zakat not only purifies and cleanses wealth but also the soul of the giver. Through zakat, it is hoped that economic equality and poverty alleviation among the Muslim community can be achieved.

It is important to understand who is obligated to pay zakat, or those known as muzakki, as not all Muslims are automatically required to do so. There are various provisions and conditions that must be met before someone can be considered obliged to pay zakat. Let’s take a look at the complete explanation summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Tuesday (21/1/2025).

1. Understanding Muzakki and Its Criteria

In the world of Islamic worship, zakat is not just an obligation, but also a form of responsibility that must be fulfilled by those who meet certain criteria, known as muzakki.

However, not all Muslims automatically become muzakki; there are important criteria that must be understood so that each individual can know whether they fall into the category of those required to pay zakat.

First, of course, one must be a Muslim, as zakat is only obligatory for adherents of this religion. In addition, the status of being free is also a requirement, where the muzakki must be someone who has full freedom over themselves and their wealth.

The wealth that is to be zakat must also be legally owned and free from the rights of others that bind it. Furthermore, the wealth must reach the nishab, which is the minimum limit set, such as 85 grams of gold for income zakat. Lastly, the ownership of that wealth must have been in place for a full year, except for certain types of zakat.

By understanding these five criteria, every Muslim can evaluate their status as a muzakki, and even if they do not meet the requirements, they are still encouraged to give charity according to their ability.

2. Types of Zakat That Must Be Fulfilled

In Islamic teachings, every Muslim who has excess wealth, referred to as muzakki, has the responsibility to pay zakat according to the type of wealth they possess.

Zakat is divided into two main categories: zakat fitrah, which must be paid to purify oneself before Idul Fitri, and zakat mal, which relates to wealth that has met certain conditions. Zakat fitrah, which consists of 2.5 kg of rice or equivalent staple food, must be paid before the Idul Fitri prayer.

Meanwhile, zakat mal includes various types of assets such as gold, money, agricultural produce, and income, with varying stipulations and calculations, all aimed at purifying wealth and distributing it fairly in society.

Therefore, it is important for muzakki to understand and fulfill their zakat obligations correctly, as well as to consult with zakat institutions or scholars to ensure accurate calculation and distribution.

3. Categories of Zakat Recipients (Mustahik)

In Islamic teachings, Allah SWT has clearly established who is entitled to receive zakat, known as mustahik, through Surah At-Taubah verse 60. There are eight categories that are targeted for zakat, starting from the most needy poor to the stranded traveler.

The categories of the poor and needy are those who struggle to meet their basic living needs, while zakat collectors play an important role in the management and distribution of zakat professionally. Equally important, converts, those in bondage, debtors, those in the path of Allah, and stranded travelers also require our attention, with the aim of elevating their status and creating social justice.

With a careful and innovative approach, modern zakat management institutions strive to ensure that zakat funds are not only consumptive but also become productive capital, so that mustahik can improve their living standards and one day become muzakki.

Understanding who is obligated to pay zakat is a crucial first step in fulfilling this third pillar of Islam, ensuring that zakat is channeled to the right recipients for the achievement of social and economic justice in society.

(kpl/rao)