Zakat (zakaat, zakah) is due once a year. However, a Muslim only pays Zakat when they have been in possession of the Nisab (minimum amount of wealth) for one full lunar year. This means that every Muslim pays Zakat at different times during the year, depending on the date from which they first met and sustained the Nisab.
The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) is based on the lunar calendar, and Muslims use the lunar calendar to determine a full lunar year from the date you first meet or exceed the Nisab.
You can then use this anniversary every year that follows to determine when to pay your Zakat – easy!
However, if you owe debt or fall out of the Nisab threshold throughout the year, you must meet the Nisab again and sustain it for a full year before you are Zakat eligible again.
At Islamic Relief Canada, we follow a scholar-verified Zakat Policy to ensure your Zakat reaches as many poor and needy people as possible to transform their lives. This means your Zakat is in trusted hands. Donate your Zakat today.
