Zakat
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory on all Muslims (men and women) who possess wealth at least equal to ‘Nisab. Nisab is the minimum amount of one’s holdings on which it must be paid. The Nisab is 2.85 ounces of gold (the approximate value of 2.85 oz. of gold is $4,675). Zakat is the most important act of lbadah after Salah. It purifies assets and creates virtue. The Holy Our’an and the Prophet’s (PBUH) Ahadith warn of severe punishment to those who do not pay their Zakat.
” The Example of those who spend their wealth in way of Allah is like seed of grain which grows seven spikes; in each spike is hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom he will. “
(The Holly Quran , 2:261)
Zakat is 2.5% of the Zakatable assets. You can pay your Zakat online at this website by clicking on the “Pay Your Zakat” icon. Alternatively you could make checks payable to Islamic foundation and drop it in the donation box marked “Zakat Fund” at Islamic Foundation lobby or mail it to the Islamic Foundation address (300 W. High Ridge Road, Villa Park, IL 60181)
Zakat-ul-Fitr (Fitra)
Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr during the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to Allah for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. Zakat-ul-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa` of dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. Every free Muslim must pay Zakat-ul-Fitr for himself, his wife, and children. It should be paid before Salaat-ul-Eid.
For 2018 the Zakat-ul-Fitr rate is $ 10 per person. It is strongly encouraged to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr(Fitra) days in advance so that it could reach the poor and needy. You can drop your Zakat-ul-Fitr in the Donation Box at Islamic Foundation Lobby or donate online by clicking on the Zakat-ul-Fitr Icon.