Zakat Eligibility And Requirements
Zakat and sadaqa are used synonymously in the Quran. The word zakat appears many times in the Quran (for example Quran verse 2:43). For eligibility of zakat, please see: Discussion 1097 • Reply 1253 In addition to optional charity that can be given at any time, zakat on earnings and assets above nisab is also established trough the sunnah. Zakat on earnings is due as soon as money is received (for example paycheck), and zakat on assets/wealth is due once a year. Both of these are payable to the state, however, if the state doesn’t take it then it can be given for any good cause mentioned in the above post. Please also see: Discussion 3084 • Reply 3094