Don’t Miss Your Blessings: Understanding Your Zakat Anniversary
By: Abubakarr Teslim Keita/ CZA, CIFE, CSAA.
It has been noticed that many of our Sierra Leonean Muslim brothers and sisters are unsure about when their Zakat is due. Some mistakenly choose Muharram and others Ramadan with little or no clue of when their Zakat Anniversary falls. This is such an important pillar of Islam, bringing blessings to both the giver and the receiver. So, let’s explore the concept of the Zakat Anniversary with some clear examples to make it easy to understand!
What is a Zakat Anniversary (Hawlaan)?
Think of your Zakat Anniversary as your Zakat “birthday”! It’s the day each year when you check if your wealth has reached the Nisab (the minimum threshold) and has remained above it for a full Islamic lunar year.
How Does it Work? Let’s Look at Some Examples:
Example 1: Starting Point
Let’s say on the 1st of Muharram, 1445 AH (around July 19, 2023), Brother Musa in Freetown had SLE 15,000 in his savings account, which was above the Nisab (to be explained in another article Insha’Allah) at that time. This date becomes his Zakat Anniversary.
Example 2: The First Anniversary
When the 1st of Muharram, 1446 AH (around July 7, 2024) arrives, Brother Musa checks his savings again. If he still has SLE 5,000 or more, he will need to pay 2.5% of the total amount as Zakat.
Example 3: Fluctuating Wealth
Sister Fatima owns a small business selling fabrics in the market. On the 15th of Ramadan, 1445 AH (around March 27, 2024), the total value of her stock and cash reached the Nisab. This becomes her Zakat Anniversary. On the 15th of Ramadan, 1446 AH (around March 16, 2025), she will assess the total value of her zakatable assets (stock, cash, debts owed to her) at that time. If it’s still at or above the Nisab, she pays 2.5% Zakat on that amount. Even if her wealth went below Nisab during the year but was back above on her anniversary, she pays Zakat.
Important Points to Remember:
● Islamic Lunar Calendar: The Zakat year follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. So, your Zakat Anniversary will move forward each Gregorian year.
● Different Types of Wealth: Zakat is due on various types of wealth, including gold, silver, cash, business inventory, and livestock (if you own them).
● Paying Early: While the Zakat is due on your anniversary, it is permissible to pay it early.
● Seeking Knowledge: If you are unsure about your Zakat obligations, don’t hesitate to ask a knowledgeable scholar or consult with us at Rutob Consult. We are here to help!
Understanding your Zakat Anniversary is key to fulfilling this vital obligation. By being mindful of our wealth and its Zakat due date, we can earn Allah’s blessings and contribute to the well-being of our community here in Sierra Leone. Don’t miss your blessings – know your Zakat Anniversary!
Rutob Consult: Empowering Our Community Through Knowledge.
