Do you know that you can pay your Zakat Fitrah online? But how?
Don’t worry; we have listed out a few options for you to pay your Zakat Fitrah online this Ramadan. We want to make sure you have a smooth and blissful Ramadan this year so you don’t have to worry about where to pay your Zakat Fitrah.
But before we go deeper into paying the Zakat Fitrah online, let us find out what Zakat is and why we need to pay Zakat as Muslims.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is an Islamic term that refers to the mandatory charitable giving by Muslims who are able to afford it. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
The payment of Zakat is considered a religious duty and an act of worship that purifies a person’s wealth and brings blessings to their life.
Zakat is calculated as a percentage of a Muslim’s wealth, including savings, investments, and income above a certain threshold known as the nisab. Muslims are required to pay 2.5% of their wealth as Zakat each year.
The payment of Zakat is primarily intended to support the poor and needy, as well as other causes that benefit the Muslim community as a whole. Zakat can be given directly to those in need or through Islamic organizations that collect and distribute zakat funds.
In addition to its social and charitable benefits, Zakat is also believed to have spiritual benefits. It is seen as a means of purifying one’s wealth and of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings. The act of giving Zakat is also considered a way to strengthen the bonds of the Muslim community and foster greater empathy and compassion among its members.
Zakat is an important aspect of Islamic practice that emphasizes the values of generosity, social justice, and community solidarity. By fulfilling their duty to give Zakat, Muslims strive to cultivate these values and contribute to the well-being of their fellow human beings.
Zakat is an important pillar of Islam. In Malaysia, the payment of Zakat is regulated by the government through the Zakat Collection Center (PPZ) and the State Islamic Religious Councils. While traditionally, Zakat payment was made in person at collection centers, today; individuals can pay their Zakat online in Malaysia. You have to keep reading because we will explore the various methods for paying Zakat online in Malaysia.
What is Zakat Fitrah?
Zakat Fitrah, also known as Fitrah, is a form of Zakat that is paid by Muslims at the end of the month of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is a mandatory charitable contribution that is given to those in need, especially the poor and destitute, to enable them to celebrate the Eid festival during the month of Syawal.
Zakat Fitrah is calculated on a per-person basis, usually based on the local cost of a staple food item such as wheat, barley, or rice. In Malaysia, the staple food item is rice, so Zakat Fitrah is calculated based on the cost of rice.
The amount of Zakat Fitrah is typically equivalent to the cost of one meal or one and a half kilograms of the chosen staple food.
The National Fatwa Council of Malaysia has set the Zakat Fitrah rate at RM7 per person for the year 2022. This amount is based on the price of rice, which is the staple food in Malaysia.
It is an important act of worship and a way for Muslims to show gratitude to Allah for the blessings of Ramadan. By giving Zakat Fitrah, Muslims also purify themselves spiritually and ensure that the poor and needy in their community have enough to eat and celebrate the Eid festival with joy and dignity.
Why is Zakat Fitrah paid during Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This is done to practice self-discipline, increase spiritual awareness, and empathize with those who are less fortunate. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are physically able and mentally sound.
In addition to fasting, Muslims also increase their prayers and recitation of the Quran during Ramadan. The Quran, which is the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Muslims believe that reciting and reflecting on the Quran during Ramadan can bring them closer to Allah and increase their understanding of their faith.
Ramadan is also a time of giving and charity. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Zakat, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is also traditionally given during Ramadan. Zakat is a form of compulsory charity that is given on one’s wealth that meets certain criteria, and it is intended to help the poor and needy.
Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, spiritual growth, and community building. It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, increase their charitable giving, and reconnect with their families and communities. Ramadan serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of living a life of compassion, generosity, and gratitude.
Zakat Fitrah is paid during Ramadan because it is an important act of charity that helps to purify the fasting person and their wealth. It is a mandatory donation given by every able Muslim before the end of the month of Ramadan.
The purpose of Zakat Fitrah is to provide assistance to those in need, especially during the festive occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. By giving this charity, Muslims express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan and help to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the celebration.
Why do we need to pay Zakat?
Purification of Wealth
Zakat is a means of purifying one’s wealth and income. By giving a portion of their wealth to those in need, Muslims seek to remove any impurities that may have entered their wealth, such as greed or selfishness.
Obligation to Help Others
Zakat is a means of fulfilling one’s obligation to help those in need. It is a way of sharing one’s blessings and wealth with those who are less fortunate and supporting the community’s most vulnerable members.
Social Justice
Zakat is a means of promoting social justice and reducing inequality in society. By distributing wealth from the rich to the poor, Zakat helps to alleviate poverty and address economic disparities.
Strengthening the Muslim Community
Zakat is a means of strengthening the bonds of the Muslim community. By giving Zakat, Muslims build stronger ties with one another and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of the community as a whole.
What are the platforms to pay Zakat online?
Through the eZakat websites by the state Islamic Council (Majlis Agama Islam Negeri)
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to pay Zakat online in Malaysia is through the eZakat websites provided by the state Islamic Council (Majlis Agama Islam Negeri). Each state has its own Islamic Council, and you can access the Zakat website on the Islamic Council website. You can pay your Zakat according to the state you are currently living and working in.
This website allows individuals to pay their Zakat using their credit card, debit card, or through online banking.
Through the JomPAY service
JomPAY is a national bill payment scheme in Malaysia that allows individuals to pay their bills online through their bank accounts. You can pay your Zakat using JomPAY in Malaysia.
First, you need to check if your Zakat collection agency is a JomPAY biller. Most of the Zakat collection agencies in Malaysia are JomPAY billers. You can find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service.
Log in to your online banking account or mobile banking app that offers JomPAY. Make sure that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the payment.
Select the JomPAY option in your banking app and enter the Biller Code and your Zakat account number. The Biller Code for each Zakat collection agency is different, so make sure to enter the correct code. Your Zakat account number can usually be found on your Zakat payment receipt or statement.
Once the payment is successful, you will receive a payment confirmation from your bank and the Zakat collection agency. Remember to keep the payment confirmation as proof of payment for your records. JomPAY is a safe and convenient way to pay your Zakat online, as it is fast, secure, and available 24/7.
Through the Islamic Banking Platforms
Many Islamic banks in Malaysia offer online Zakat payment services for their customers. To pay Zakat through Islamic banking platforms in Malaysia, the first step is to open an account with an Islamic bank that offers this service. The account will be designated as a zakat account and will allow for the easy transfer of funds to the zakat collection agencies.
Once the account is set up, the next step is to determine the amount of Zakat that needs to be paid. Islamic banking platforms in Malaysia offer zakat calculators that allow users to input their income and assets and determine the exact amount of Zakat they owe.
After determining the amount of Zakat, the user can make the payment through the Islamic banking platform. The platform will transfer the funds to the appropriate zakat collection agency, ensuring that the payment is made correctly and efficiently.
One advantage of paying Zakat through Islamic banking platforms in Malaysia is that the platform will provide a receipt or confirmation of payment, which can be used for tax purposes or as proof of payment for the zakat obligation. Additionally, the platform will automatically deduct the zakat payment from the user’s account each year, making it easier to fulfill this religious duty on an ongoing basis.
Through the Zakat mobile app
Another convenient way to pay Zakat online in Malaysia is through the Zakat mobile app. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows individuals to pay their Zakat using their mobile phones.
Zakat mobile apps are usually developed by the state’s Islamic Council or by the Zakat collection agencies. There are several mobile apps available for you to pay Zakat online.
To use the Zakat mobile app, users first need to download the app from their app store and create an account. They will need to provide their personal information, such as name and contact details, and also provide details about their assets and income to calculate the amount of Zakat they owe.
Once the account is set up, the app will automatically calculate the amount of Zakat owed based on the user’s income and assets. Users can choose to pay the full amount at once or schedule recurring payments to fulfill their zakat obligation on an ongoing basis.
The Zakat mobile app allows users to choose which type of Zakat they want to pay, such as zakat fitrah.
One of the benefits of using the Zakat mobile app is the ability to track and monitor zakat payments. The app provides a history of all zakat payments made, allowing users to keep track of their obligations and ensuring that they don’t miss any payments.
Another advantage of using the Zakat mobile app is the ability to donate to charitable causes beyond just Zakat. The app allows users to make additional donations to various charitable organizations, helping to support those in need in their community and around the world.
How to pay Zakat online?
Now that you know the different platforms to pay Zakat online, you can choose your desired platform and pay your Zakat instantly.
Since we are paying Zakat Fitrah for this Ramadan, here’s the step-by-step for you to follow on how to pay your Zakat Fitrah online.
In Malaysia, paying zakat fitrah online is becoming increasingly popular and convenient.
- First, you need to determine the amount of zakat fitrah that needs to be paid. As mentioned earlier, the current rate in Malaysia is usually equivalent to the price of 2.7 kilograms of rice per person.
- Next is to choose a reputable zakat collection agency. There are many zakat collection agencies in Malaysia that accept online payments for zakat fitrah. It is important to choose a reputable agency that is registered with the government and has a good track record of distributing Zakat to the poor and needy.
- Visit the zakat collection agency’s website. Once the agency has been chosen, visit their website and look for the zakat fitrah payment option. Most zakat collection agencies in Malaysia have an online payment portal on their website. Similarly, you can also look for the Zakat collection agency in your banking platforms, JomPay service, or mobile apps.
- Enter personal information. To make an online payment, the user will need to enter their personal information, such as name, contact details, and IC number.
- Enter the amount and type of Zakat. Next, the user will need to enter the amount of zakat fitrah they want to pay and the type of zakat fitrah (in the form of rice or money).
- Choose a payment method. The user will then be prompted to choose a payment method. Most zakat collection agencies in Malaysia offer online payment options such as credit/debit cards, online banking, or e-wallets.
- Make the payment: After choosing the payment method, the user can proceed to make the payment. The zakat collection agency will provide a confirmation of payment once the transaction is complete.
- Keep a record of payment: It is important to keep a record of the online payment, such as a receipt or confirmation email, as proof of payment for zakat fitrah.
Checklist to pay Zakat Fitrah this Ramadan
Here is a general checklist of things to consider when paying Zakat Fitrah:
- Identify the appropriate amount of Zakat Fitrah to be paid based on the prevailing rate set by the relevant Zakat authority in Malaysia.
- Ensure that the Zakat Fitrah is paid before Eid al-Fitr prayers.
- Pay Zakat Fitrah on behalf of every individual in the family, including children and babies.
- Pay Zakat Fitrah in the form of staple food items that are commonly consumed in Malaysia, such as rice, wheat flour, or dates. Alternatively, you can also pay the Zakat Fitrah in cash, which will be used to purchase the necessary food items.
- Most Zakat collection agencies only collect cash.
- Ensure that the Zakat Fitrah is given to a trusted Zakat organization that will distribute the Zakat Fitrah on your behalf.
- Keep a record of the Zakat Fitrah payment for your own reference and to serve as proof of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Zakat Fitrah?
Zakat Fitrah is a form of compulsory charity paid by Muslims at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayers. It is paid in the form of staple food items that are commonly consumed in the region or in cash that will be used to purchase the necessary food items and is intended to provide for the needs of the poor and needy during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Who is obligated to pay Zakat Fitrah?
Zakat Fitrah is mandatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty and has the financial means to do so. It must be paid on behalf of every individual in the family, including children and babies, and also for any guests staying with you on the night of Eid al-Fitr.
What is the amount of Zakat Fitrah?
The amount of Zakat Fitrah is determined by the prevailing rate set by the relevant Zakat authority or organization in the region. In Malaysia, the amount is usually equivalent to 2.5 kilograms of rice or its cash equivalent.
What are the benefits of paying Zakat Fitrah?
Paying Zakat Fitrah provides an opportunity for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation of giving charity and helping the poor and needy. It also helps strengthen the sense of community and social cohesion as Muslims come together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and provide for the needs of those less fortunate.
Can Zakat Fitrah be given to non-Muslims?
Zakat Fitrah should be given to eligible Muslim beneficiaries, such as the poor and needy, orphans, and the disabled.
Can Zakat Fitrah be given in the form of cash?
Zakat Fitrah can be given in the form of cash, which will be used to purchase the necessary food items.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a special month of the Islamic calendar that holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth, where believers fast during the day and engage in acts of worship and charitable deeds at night.
Zakat Fitrah is an essential pillar of Islam that helps purify the soul and encourages empathy towards the poor and needy. It is a small amount of charity given at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr, which serves as a reminder to Muslims about the blessings of Allah and the importance of sharing those blessings with others.
Zakat Fitrah has numerous benefits, including the purification of wealth, expiation of sins, and the promotion of social welfare. It is a means of providing for the basic needs of the poor and needy, and it helps to create a sense of community among Muslims. Zakat Fitrah also serves as a reminder to those who have been blessed with wealth and prosperity to remain humble and grateful to Allah.
Zakat Fitrah is an important practice in Islam that promotes social welfare and encourages empathy towards the poor and needy. It serves as a reminder to Muslims about the blessings of Allah and the importance of sharing those blessings with others.