ZAKAT Donation

Through your Zakat donations, we provide food, cleanliness, clothing, and shelter assistance to our earthquake-stricken brothers and sisters.

Deniz Feneri Association continues its aid in items and cash aid, as well as benevolent project implementations, for our needy brothers and sisters in oppressed and victimized geographies around the world. Our association extends your greetings and Zakat to those struggling to survive in refugee camps, the oppressed who have lost everything due to internal conflicts, and to those poverty-stricken and suffering from deprivation.

Zakat, a term that translates to 'increase, growth, cleanliness, blessing, good condition, and praise' in the dictionary, religiously signifies giving a certain portion of a specific wealth to certain designated individuals for the sake of Allah's pleasure. Zakat, one of the financial acts of worship, is one of Islam's five fundamental principles and was made obligatory in the second year after the Hijra (624 CE) in Medina. The Qur'an states, 'Establish prayer and give zakat...' (Al-Baqarah, 2/43, 110; Al-Hajj, 22/78; An-Nur, 24/56; Al-Mujadila, 58/13; Al-Muzzammil, 73/20); '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.' (At-Tawbah, 9/103).

Upon Whom is Zakat Obligatory?

When a Muslim enters maturity stage, maintains mental soundness, and possesses wealth equal to or more than the nisab amount (85 grams of gold, 595 grams of silver, or their equivalent value in cash or trade goods) beyond their essential needs, they become responsible for paying Zakat annually from their wealth.

Can Zakat Be Given Through Aid Organizations?

Directly giving Zakat to the needy is a commendable act; however, modern mentality is changing. The Qur'an says, 'Those who do not call attention to what they have given, nor do they give to the rich, but they give in charity to the poor.' No one truly desires to receive help from others. Therefore, directly giving Zakat to such individuals might offend them.

But perhaps it could be more beneficial for needy individuals if our aid is channeled through institutions. In today's world, charitable activities often operate through organized efforts. It's crucial to institutionalize charitable efforts. By channeling aid through institutions, we both uphold individuals' dignity and efficiently distribute aid to genuine beneficiaries in an organized way.

Is it Permissible to Give Zakat Before its Due Time?

Zakat is paid after it becomes obligatory. When someone becomes wealthy on a certain date, they mark that date according to the lunar calendar. For instance, if someone became wealthy on the 3rd of Rajab, they would give Zakat when the third of Rajab comes around the following year, without waiting for Ramadan. There is no harm in giving Zakat before its due time; in fact, it would be appropriate.

Furthermore, it's permissible to prepay Zakat for the upcoming years. For instance, if someone mistakenly calculates that they owe two gold coins instead of one, and after giving to the needy, recalculates and realizes it was only one coin, they can count that one coin towards the next year. However, if at the end of the year they have more wealth than initially calculated, they should compensate for the deficit.

Zakat on accumulated wealth is due after one lunar year. If Zakat is given before one lunar year passes—i.e., before it becomes obligatory—and another lunar year begins, then the Zakat for the subsequent year is delayed by two years. Because the Zakat for the following year is already paid in advance, and in order for Zakat to become obligatory, it requires waiting one year after the wealth is acquired. Hence, the second Zakat is given two years after the wealth is obtained. The Zakat on additional income is similarly calculated based on when it is acquired.

Zakat doesn't have a specific time for payment; rather, it should be paid as soon as it becomes obligatory. Thus, those obliged to pay Zakat should ideally give it promptly from the time it becomes due.

How is Zakat Calculated for Trade Goods? How is Zakat Calculated?

Any goods intended for trade become eligible for Zakat when they meet specific conditions. It's not possible to enumerate these items. Every kind of clothing, foodstuff, construction materials held with the intent of trading qualifies as merchandise and is subject to Zakat.

What is the Nisab Amount?

Nisab is a wealth threshold set for Zakat, Sadaqah al-Fitr, and similar religious obligations. It can also be explained as a minimum standard of wealth. Individuals who possess such wealth above their debts and essential needs are considered wealthy in religious terms.

To Whom Should Zakat Be Given?

The Qur'an specifies who should receive Zakat. In Surah At-Tawbah, revealed in the 9th year after Hijra, it lists the recipients: 'Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] 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.' (At-Tawbah, 9/60)

The poor and needy: These are 'the poor and the destitute' as described in the Qur'an. The poor are those who, even if they have the essentials like housing and basic belongings, do not have enough income to cover their needs and, excluding their debts, possess wealth less than the Nisab amount. Additionally, individuals working yet unable to meet their basic needs due to low income fall into this category.

Those employed in Zakat collection: These are officials employed in the collection of Zakat. The term 'amil' generally refers to someone doing a job, a worker, or a craftsman. In the context of Zakat, it denotes a person appointed to collect Zakat and distribute it to rightful recipients.

Muallafat al-Qulub (those whose hearts are to be reconciled): This category encompasses non-Muslims who might incline towards Islam through Zakat donations and might embrace Islam by being honored through Zakat payments.

Slaves: Zakat can be used to liberate slaves who desire to purchase their freedom. This practice demonstrates the importance Islam places on human liberty.

Debtors: Once their debts are settled, individuals whose wealth falls below the Nisab amount qualify for Zakat. Similarly, someone who possesses wealth or has a debt receivable but is unable to collect it is also considered indebted. It is more meritorious to give Zakat to someone in dire straits due to their debt.

For the cause of Allah: The phrase 'in the cause of Allah' indicates both active involvement in physical battles to raise the stature of Islam and engaging in virtuous actions aimed at pleasing Allah. Hence, financial support can be extended to individuals or institutions devoted to actions that seek Allah's pleasure

Those stranded on the road: Those who embark on a journey for a charitable or beneficial cause and cannot reach their destination without aid fall into this category. Pilgrimage, warfare, recommended visits, or travels made for trade serve as examples for this.

Who is not eligible for Zakat?

Parents, spouses, and children: One cannot give their Zakat to their impoverished spouse, ascendants, or descendants. Ascendants refer to a person's mother, father, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Descendants include sons, daughters, their children, and grandchildren. A wife in the waiting period after divorce also falls within this rule.

Non-Muslims: Zakat is a religious obligation; hence it cannot be given to non-Muslims, unbelievers, or apostates. However, those whose hearts are inclined towards Islam (Müellefe-i kulub), who may potentially convert to Islam with a little encouragement, are exceptions to this category.

The wealthy: It is not permissible to give Zakat to someone wealthy. However, a Zakat collector is entitled to a portion of the collection as compensation for their efforts, even if they are wealthy. Similarly, a wealthy person who becomes needy during a journey can receive Zakat, as a traveler, despite being wealthy in reality, is considered needy at that moment.

Relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): It is prohibited for the family and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad to receive Zakat and charity.

Minors and mentally impaired individuals: Directly giving Zakat to those under seven years of age or mentally impaired individuals is not permissible. Zakat should be delivered to the guardians of these individuals.

What Characteristics Should Institutions Receiving Our Zakat Possess?

Zakat is the right of the poor, as stated in the Quran. Therefore, Zakat should be spent on these individuals. It can cover needs such as cash, food, clothing, and shelter. Any civil society organization meeting these needs is deserving of Zakat, Fitrah, Fidyah, and Qurbani donations. Trustworthiness is crucial here. Therefore, institutions receiving Zakat donations should possess qualities that involve official monitoring by relevant government departments.