Zakat is a mandatory obligation for eligible Muslims.

It is:

1. One of the five pillars of Islam
2. Required when a person’s wealth reaches a minimum threshold (nisab)
3. Calculated at a fixed rate (usually 2.5% on qualifying wealth)
4. Given only to eight specific categories of people defined in the Qur’an

Zakat is not optional. If it is due, it must be paid.