Zakat is a beautiful act of worship, and a way we are connected to those in need, while having our own wealth cleansed. Giving Zakat allows us to stand with those who have endured so much hardship. For countless families around the world, your Zakat is what carries them through Ramadan and beyond.
This Ramadan, your Zakat can be a source of relief, hope, nourishment and survival for those in need. You could help families and children in Gaza who have lost everything in the last two years. You can provide clean water, empower orphans and support vulnerable families create their own livelihoods.
Zakat is not a simple donation, but it is change set in motion. It is mercy moving through your wealth, lifting burdens and opening doors to hope. This Ramadan, your Zakat does not remain with you; it travels where it is needed most, bringing healing, sustenance, and light.
Your Zakat literally saves lives.
For over 40 years, the Al Mustafa Global family has been serving vulnerable communities across the world, working to break cycles of poverty and serve those in need.
Zakat is distributed strictly according to Shariah guidelines, ensuring it is given by every adult Muslim who owns wealth above a certain amount (the nisab threshold).
Processes are reviewed and approved by qualified Islamic scholars
Every dollar of Zakat reaches eligible recipients directly
Zakat funds are not used for administrative or operational matters
Distribution is transparent, timely, and reliably
At Al Mustafa Canada, our work is driven by responsibility and faith. We strive to ensure that your Zakat is delivered and distributed exactly as Allah commands - with honesty, transparency, dignity and compassion, in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah. We keep costs low, but quality of our programmes high, helping to ensure that your Zakat is delivered to those who deserve it.
The foundation of the Islamic faith is five core principles, which all Muslims must adhere to and strive to achieve. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is a compulsory act of worship known as Zakat al-Mal. The Qur’an outlines eight groups of eligible recipients for Zakat, ensuring that this obligation is distributed justly among those most in need. In Islam, we hold that those who are eligible to receive Zakat are the rightful recipients, and that Zakat is their right.
The Arabic word Zakat itself carries deep meaning. It comes from roots that signify purification and growth. When you give Zakat:
Your wealth is cleansed and protected
Your heart is softened, moving closer to Allah (swt) and connecting with the ummah
The inequality and poverty in our society is reduced or contained.
Zakat is not an act of kindness, but it is a profound act of worship. Giving Zakat can help protect and cleanse your wealth, as well as purify your heart. It is a reminder of our duty as Muslims, to connect with those less fortunate.
This is Zakat that must be paid on wealth that exceeds the nisab - the minimum threshold - and that has been held for one lunar year. Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of all savings and wealth, not including living expenses or ongoing costs.
It is based on savings and investments, including any gold or silver owned, and needs to be paid on a lunar basis. Zakat al-Mal is compulsory, and must be paid by all adult, sane Muslims whose wealth exceeds the Nisab. Children are exempt from paying Zakat, even if they have wealth or savings in their name.
Zakat al-Fitr applies to everyone who can afford to provide one meal for those in need. It must be paid before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan and is distributed to eligible recipients during the days of Eid al-Fitr. It is a fixed amount and is considered a beautiful way to conclude Ramadan giving, thanks to Allah for the strength and sustenance granted throughout the month of fasting, while sharing its barakah with our less fortunate brothers and sisters around the world.
The payment of Zakat al-Fitr is based on the cost of a staple food such as rice, wheat, or dates - typically equivalent to 1–3 kilograms per person.
We take great care to make sure all of our Zakat guidance is accurate and trustworthy, and so ensure that all our content is reviewed by reputable Islamic scholars.
This page has been reviewed and approved by Rizwana Latif, a well-respected Islamic scholar and educator. Rizwana is a certified Aalimah, having studied at Tanzeem-ul-Madaris with a specialisation in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). She also holds an LLB (Hons) in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University.
She has more than ten years of experience teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies at college level, and is also an experienced public speaker. Rizwana has delivered talks across the UK and internationally, and has worked with Islamic TV channels such as QTV and Islam Channel, where her programmes are still broadcast today.
Outside of formal teaching, Rizwana works closely with local mosques and community groups, particularly around education and supporting women. She is known for explaining complex topics in a clear, practical way, and for her commitment to making Islamic knowledge accessible to the wider community.
Your zakat payment period for the year will start on the date when your wealth first equalled or exceeded the nisab. After this, zakat must be calculated and paid once each lunar year has passed, and it will then fall every year thereafter on that date. If you are not able to remember this date, then you should make an estimate. If this is not possible, you should select a specific Islamic date to adhere to, instead. It is not obligatory to pay zakat during Ramadan,
You can set up a regular monthly payment like a direct debit if you wish to pay your zakat in smaller instalments. If you choose to pay your zakat with Al Mustafa Canada, certain campaigns and sponsorships are zakat-eligible so you can spread the rewards of your generosity throughout the year.
Zakat is obligatory for all sane, adult Muslims whose wealth reaches the Nisab threshold and remains above it for one full lunar year. Zakat must be paid on a yearly basis.
In Canada, your Zakat can be paid through Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Canada. You can decide whether you want your Zakat to go to specific projects or countries, or whether you’d like to give it as a ‘where most needed’ donation, allowing us to decide.
Yes. It is safe to pay Zakat online, if you ensure you are giving to a reputable organisation with a secure website. Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Canada’s website is secure and safe, and we can receive your donations online at any time.
Yes. At Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Canada, we have a 100% Zakat donation policy, which means we do not take any administrative costs, running expenses or additional costs from your Zakat donations.
