(إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقاتُ لِلفُقَراءِ وَالمَساكينِ وَالعامِلينَ عَلَيها وَالمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلوبُهُم وَفِي الرِّقابِ وَالغارِمينَ وَفي سَبيلِ اللَّـهِ وَابنِ السَّبيلِ فَريضَةً مِنَ اللَّـهِ وَاللَّـهُ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ). [سورة التوبة: 60]
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, an obligatory form of giving that requires every financially stable Muslim to give a set proportion of their wealth annually to benefit the poor and needy. Zakat means blessing, purity, and goodness, forming an essential part of Muslim character and practice
The activities of the Al Jisr Foundation are focused on aiding those mentioned by Allah in the Holy Qur’an, verse 60 of Surah At-Tawbah:
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakah] 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.” [Qur’an 9:60]
Beneficiaries of Zakat
Note: The last six beneficiaries are limited to specialized institutions for Zakat, while the first two beneficiaries can receive Zakat directly from individuals.
Conditions for Zakat
One’s zakatable wealth rises to a minimum threshold (Nisab)
A lunar year (Hawl) passes while one’s zakatable wealth sustains the minimum threshold (Nisab)
Benefits of Zakat
Instills the quality of giving in Muslims
Purifies the soul from miserliness
Systematically combats poverty and hunger
Strengthens community relations, leading to stability and development in all areas