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A considerable number of Muslims accept their duty to pay zakat, but deny that the state has a right to levy it, and they may pay zakat voluntarily while evading official collection. [84] In discretion-based systems of collection, studies suggest zakat is collected from and paid only by a fraction of Muslim population who can pay. [18]
Zakat is based on income and the type and value of one's assets/possessions [13] [14] above a minimum amount known as nisab. [7] [Note 1] The Quran does not provide specific guidelines on which types of wealth are taxable under the zakat, nor how much is to be donated, and Islamic scholars differ on how much nisab is and other aspects of zakat ...
Because the individual must pay zakat on the net wealth, wealthy Muslims are compelled to invest in profitable ventures, or otherwise see their wealth slowly erode. Furthermore, means of production such as equipment, factories and tools are exempt from zakat, which further provides the incentive to invest wealth in productive businesses. [33]
Zakat is a required minimum contribution by Muslims in terms of money and property or goods that can help Muslims who need assistance, while sadaqah can be in the form of money, deeds, property, or salutations. [13] The term sadaqah was used in the Quran and Sunnah for both zakat and charity.
Zakat, the practice of Muslims contributing a portion of their wealth to those in need, is one of the five pillars of Islam — and an integral part of Ramadan.
All Muslims who live above the subsistence level must pay an annual alms, known as zakat. In the modern sense, this would be Islam's equivalent to US Social Security or UK National Insurance. This is not charity, but rather an obligation owed by the eligible Muslim to the poor of the community.
Muslim Jurist Malik ibn Anas's al-Muwatta declares that "Zakat is imposed on the Muslims to purify them and to be given back to their poor, whereas jizya is imposed on the people of the Book to humble them (to show they are subjects of the state)."
The giver must declare to God his intention to give the zakāt. The zakāt must be paid on the day that it is due. After the offering, the payer must not exaggerate on spending his money more than usual means. Payment must be in kind. This means if one is wealthy then he or she needs to pay a portion of their income.