The short answer
Zakat, the obligatory charity and one of the five pillars, is paid once a year by Muslims whose savings and assets exceed a minimum threshold. For money, gold, and trade goods the rate is 2.5 per cent of the amount held for a full lunar year; farm produce and livestock have their own rates. It goes to categories of people named in the Qur’an, chiefly the poor and needy.
A little more context
Beyond zakat, voluntary charity, sadaqah, is encouraged without limit, and need not be money: the Prophet described a kind word, a smile, and removing harm from a path as charity. Surveys regularly find Muslims among the most generous religious groups in charitable giving. Our guide to zakat and giving explains the principles.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 9:60 The recipients of zakat.
- Qur’an 2:261 The reward of giving multiplied.
- Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 1956 A smile and small kindnesses as charity.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.