Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a religious obligation for Muslims. It involves giving a portion of one’s wealth, typically 2.5% of accumulated savings and investments to those in need. The purpose of zakat is to support the poor and alleviate poverty, and it is seen as both a form of worship and a means of purifying wealth. The practice helps redistribute wealth within the community and reinforces the values of charity and social responsibility.

To fulfill the obligation of zakat, several conditions must be met:

• Islamic Faith: Zakat is a duty specifically for Muslims.

• Ownership of Wealth: The wealth or assets from which zakat is to be given must be owned fully and independently by the individual.

• Nisab: The wealth must exceed a certain minimum threshold called nisab, which is the minimum amount of wealth one must possess before zakat becomes obligatory. This threshold is often calculated based on the value of gold or silver.

• Hawl: The wealth must have been in the person’s possession for a full lunar year (known as hawl). This means the assets should have been owned for at least one year before zakat is due.

• Intention: The individual must have the intention of giving zakat for the sake of Allah. It should be given with a sincere and deliberate purpose to fulfill the religious duty.

These conditions ensure that zakat is given in a manner that meets Islamic requirements and supports those in genuine need.