Zakaah

In Shia jurisprudence, Zakaah is obligatory for any individual whose wealth exceeds the threshold known as “nisab.” The nisab can vary based on the type of wealth—be it cash, gold, silver, or agricultural produce—establishing a threshold that necessitates contribution. Specifically, the prescribed amount of Zakaah is typically 2.5% of the individual’s accumulated wealth over the lunar year. This percentage, although seemingly modest, embodies an immense potential for social reform when uniformly observed within the community.

Moreover, specific categories of wealth are exempt from Zakaah obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, personal assets deemed essential for sustenance, such as one’s home, clothing, and tools necessary for one’s trade. This nuanced understanding also extends to the classification of eligible recipients, who are primarily the impoverished, orphans, and the disabled, thereby ensuring that the assistance reaches those who are genuinely in need.

**Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions**