Zakat is one of the obligations of a Muslim that must be fulfilled to purify property and soul. However, fulfilling this obligation should not be arbitrary because there are provisions based on the type of zakat.

In Islamic teachings, various types of zakat have differences in both the benefits and how to pay. Let’s find out.

1. Zakat Fitrah

Zakat fitrah is an obligation that must be paid once a year at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan until before the Eid prayer. Even though it is an obligation, zakat is only intended for people who have economic capability.

The amount to be paid as zakat fitrah is 2.5 kg or 3.5 liters of rice per person. The rupiah value can change according to applicable regulations; for example, based on the Decree of the Head of Baznas Number 7 of 2021 on Zakat Fitrah and Fidyah for the DKI Jakarta and surrounding areas, the value of zakat fitrah is equivalent to IDR 40,000 per person.

2. Zakat Mal

Also known as zakat on assets, zakat mal is applied on money, gold, and other valuable assets owned and rented by someone. The condition is that the assets is halal (from its origin), meets the minimum limit, and has been owned for one year.

So, for example, if a Muslim has wealth or assets of at least IDR 100 million and settles for a year, he is obliged to pay zakat mal. The amount of zakat mal that must be paid is 2.5% multiplied by the amount of assets.

3. Income Zakat

Income zakat is a zakat that must be paid by every Muslim who already has income, either from working independently or under the company or the auspices of other people. This zakat is paid as much as 2.5% of total income every month without having to wait for one year.

Regarding obligations, it must refer to the nisab, where the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia through the Minister of Religion Regulation Number 31 of 2019 stipulates that the nisab of income zakat is 85 grams of gold with the provisions of the latest gold price for that year. If the gold price as of May 1, 2020, is IDR 900,000, then the nisab for income zakat is IDR 76,500,000 per year or IDR 6,375,000 per month.

So, a Muslim who already has income or wages (take-home pay) more than the nisab of zakat of Rp. 6,375,000 per month, then it is obligatory to pay zakat upon income.

May the explanation help you to understand more about zakat, as well as motivating you to pay it.