Charity is a beautiful aspect of Islam. Not only does it cleanse your wealth, but it also enhances your relationship with Allah and aids the needy. If you are new to this practice or wish to know more about it, then this guide will assist you in learning how to give zakat correctly and make sadaqah jariyah in a manner that will benefit you and others in the long term.

What is Zakat?

Zakat refers to one of the five Islamic pillars. It is an obligatory alms that all able Muslims have to pay annually. The term 'zakat' translates as 'purification and growth'. When a Muslim pays zakat, they cleanse their wealth and contribute to the creation of a more equitable society by assisting the poor and needy.

The Importance of Giving Zakat

As you give zakat, you are not simply doing charity for others, but you are also performing one of the essential acts in your religion. Zakat is also important in alleviating poverty and aiding the less fortunate. It also makes Muslims humble and grateful because they know that all the wealth is owned by Allah.

Who Has to Give Zakat?

Not everyone is required to pay zakat. You must meet the following conditions:

• You are Muslim.

• You are an adult and mentally sound.

• You own wealth that reaches the nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth required to pay zakat).

• You have had that wealth for at least one lunar year.

How to Give Zakat Correctly

The question that many people pose is how to donate zakat correctly. The simplified steps are the following:

1. Estimate Your Net Worth

Write down first all your assets: cash, savings, gold, silver, stocks, and business goods. You have to pay zakat if your total wealth exceeds the nisab.

• The gold nisab is approximately 87.5 grams.

• The silver nisab is approximately 612 grams.

2. Determine 2.5% of Your Total Wealth

Zakat is normally 2.5 percent of your wealth. To illustrate, when your zakatable assets are 10,000, then your zakat is 250.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah jariyah means "ongoing charity". Unlike regular charity that benefits people once, sadaqah jariyah continues to reward you even after your death. It includes projects or actions that have long-term effects.

Ways to Give Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah jariyah can be given in many ways. The following are some examples:

• You get a reward each time somebody drinks water there.

• When you impart knowledge to someone, as long as they apply it or impart the same to others, you keep on receiving the benefit.

• It takes years before people or animals enjoy its fruits.

Zakat and Sadaqah Jariyah

One should understand the distinction between zakat and sadaqah jariyah giving.

• Zakat is a compulsory practice with its rulings.

• Sadaqah jariyah is optional and is donated to projects that provide benefits in the long term.

Your zakat cannot be used to finance the development of other projects, such as constructing a mosque, unless it benefits the poor directly. But you can use sadaqah jariyah to do so.

Errors in Giving Zakat

The following are some of the errors individuals commit when determining how to pay zakat:

• Failing to compute zakat correctly.

• Omitting to pay zakat on investments or stocks.

• Providing it to ineligible individuals.

• Intentionally confusing zakat with general charity.

Never mind your calculations twice, and ensure that you are working within the guidelines.

Teaching Children About Giving

Teaching children to be charitable at an early age is a good idea. Generosity can be learnt even with a small coin that is given with love. You may assist them in collecting money in a charity box or engage them in a sadaqah jariyah project, such as planting a tree.

Final Thoughts

Charity is an effective aspect of Islam. If you are doing your duty by paying zakat or preferring to give sadaqah jariyah to get a prolonged reward, both deeds are blessed. Have a pure intention, count well, and give largely. Your riches are a trust with Allah, and their wise distribution wins you his pleasure and reward in the world and the hereafter.