5 Powerful Ways Zakat Makes An Impact

Billions of people around the world live in extreme poverty. Nearly 1 out of every 10 people in the world live below the poverty line. That’s 689 million people struggling to survive on less than $1.90 a day. The extremely poor live in scarcity. Without enough food, access to clean water, proper sanitation, safe shelter, health care, or even primary education.

Shocking but true! A child under 15 passes away every 5 seconds around the world. Well into the 21st century, hunger is still the world's biggest health problem. A bitter fact - There are more than 100 million homeless in the world today!  

Trust us, one doesn’t need to have deep pockets or be rich to help the needy. All we need is an open heart. What we have done for ourselves alone is mortal; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. This is what ‘zakat’ (charity) teaches us.  

What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that promotes being self-efficient. It bridges the economic gap between individuals and society. Amongst the Muslim community, all those who own more than the minimal level of money and property, known as Nisab, are required to pay zakat which is 2.5% of their total cumulative wealth in a year. The threshold in prophetic tradition is 87.48 grams of pure gold or 612.36 grams of silver, and the figure may fluctuate based on the market.

What Makes Zakat So Impactful?

It Follows Prophetic Tradition

To pay zakat is to follow a prophetic tradition. Zakat has to be on four types of wealth: agricultural products, animals, trading goods and money, which includes financial assets such as cash, bonds, stocks, savings, and loans.  Even though zakat can be paid at any time during the lunar year, many Muslims choose to do so during Ramadan since it is a period of greater rewards.

It Helps The Needy

Zakat is one method to ensure Muslims are reminded of a precious feeling of brotherhood and humanity. Individuals who are underprivileged, in debt, and in need are benefited from zakat. According to Islamic law, wealth shouldn't be hoarded but should instead be distributed fairly. 

It Purifies And Cleanses

On the one hand, it cleanses the donor of self-centeredness, while on the other, it cleanses the receiver of zakat of sentiments of resentment against the affluent. Zakat gains you many rewards, purifies the wealth and the soul of the donor, and protects you from sins. It is a spiritual act, an act of mercy. Allah's blessings go far beyond anything that could ever be imagined. 

It Controls Your Ego

As we depart, all of our material goods are meaningless. By giving zakat, Muslims understand that their income and other resources are a twofold blessing— that they may use to benefit themselves and help uplift others. It demonstrates the value of self-control to those who are more fortunate and teaches us how to act morally uprightly and justly.

It Levels The Field

Worldwide, there are over 1.8 billion Muslims, making zakat one of the main methods of distributing wealth to the underprivileged.  Zakat donation is a powerful economic tool and when carried out effectively, its advantages are transformative. It improves socioeconomic peace, raises thankfulness and satisfaction, and enriches individuals spiritually. Suffice it to say, this is one of the most prominent signs of brotherhood. 

Why Donate Your Zakat Through HasanaH?

Donating to the right cause is important and we encourage you to donate through HasanaH, a non-profit organization that is 100% committed to financial integrity, transparency, and stewardship. HasanaH means “good deed”. It connects donors with charitable projects around the globe that address urgent needs while being respectful of Islamic traditions and principles. 

Calculate your zakat here in just 4 easy steps. You can even automate your sadaqah to some of your favorite causes. If you have any questions about HasanaH or exactly how your donation will be used, feel free to contact us.

HasanaH does not make individual judgments over which projects qualify for Zakat. Instead, it enables donors to make informed decisions based on reliable data and to direct contributions to credible projects that are aligned with your priorities and values.

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