Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a mandatory act of charity or almsgiving for all Muslim adults of sound mind who have the means to afford it. Zakat represents the obligation for all Muslims to show solidarity with their fellow man, and to share blessings and resources with the poorest and most disadvantaged.

Who should pay Zakat?

Adult Muslims of sound mind, who possess wealth or assets above a certain threshold (Nisab) for a full lunar year, are required to pay Zakat. This includes individuals who have savings, gold, silver, investments, business inventory, or any other form of wealth exceeding the Nisab.

Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth or assets one must possess for a full lunar year before being obligated to pay Zakat. Adults owning cash, income, assets, or livestock exceeding the cash value of 85 grams of gold during a full lunar year are required to pay Zakat.

How much Zakat should I pay?

If your personal wealth has exceeded the Nisab threshold during the entire past lunar year, you are obligated to give 2.5% of your wealth to those less fortunate. You can use the Zakat calculator on this page to determine your obligation.

Who should I give Zakat to?

Zakat is intended to support specific categories of people in need, as mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60). Recipients include the poor, needy, those in debt, wayfarers, and organizations who collect, manage, and distribute Zakat funds.

Should I give my Zakat to Embrace Relief?

Yes. Embrace Relief is an ideal outlet for your Zakat, as a trusted nonprofit working closely with poor communities worldwide. You can select a specific program for your Zakat donation, supporting causes like hunger relief, clean water, orphan care, and more.

How will Embrace Relief use my Zakat donation?

Your Zakat donation will primarily support Embrace Relief’s programs to support orphaned children around the world. Currently, this includes our Ramadan 2025 Children’s Fund, which provides iftar and suhoor meals to orphans each day of the holy month; as well as our Orphan Care program, which sponsors a number of orphanages around the world and covers living costs for the children who live in them.

How much of my Zakat donation will go to those in need?

Embrace Relief guarantees that every dollar of your Zakat donation will go directly to the cause you have selected.

Can I pay Zakat in installments?

Yes, provided your full Zakat obligation is paid prior to the first day of Eid. Paying the full amount at once is easy: simply use our calculator and donate button on this page. However, if you would like to pay your Zakat donation in installments, you can set up a monthly recurring payment by clicking this link. Simply click the 'Monthly' button on that page, and then divide your full obligation by the number of months remaining before Eid. Note: this donation will recur automatically until you cancel.

Your Zakat.
Their Future.

Every dollar of your Zakat goes directly to orphaned children, providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education to over 200 children across six countries. Give today and change an orphan’s tomorrow.

Donate Zakat. Change a Life Calculate Your Zakat Obligation

Your Trust Matters

Giving Your Zakat With Confidence Starts With Trust

When you give to charity, you want to be sure that your gift is going to the people who need it. Embrace Relief pledges that every dollar you donate goes directly towards the families and communities we serve, and we’re proud to meet the highest independently verified standards of transparency, accountability, and impact – because we know that trust matters.

High Standards

Embrace Relief is a Better Business Bureau-accredited charity

Secure

Tax-deductible donations can be made safely online.

Trusted

Embrace Relief is rated 100% by Great Nonprofits, an independent auditor of charities.

Pay Your Zakat With Embrace Relief

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, it represents an obligation we all share to support those in need while purifying our wealth. One of the most impactful ways your Zakat can change lives is by caring for orphaned children who are among the most vulnerable members of our communities.

By choosing Embrace Relief’s Orphan Care Program as the recipient of your Zakat, you ensure that your donation provides shelter, healthcare, and education to over 200 orphaned children in seven orphanages across six countries. This not only fulfills a sacred duty but also gives these children the opportunity to grow in safety, dignity, and hope.

Health

For $15/month

For $100/year

Education

For $65/month

For $800/year

Housing

For $35/month

For $200/year

Nutrition

For $35/month

For $250/year

With over 16 years of proven service, Embrace Relief has consistently delivered compassion with transparency and accountability. Donating your Zakat through the Orphan Care Program can be the difference between despair and a brighter future for a child in need.

Your support doesn’t just feed them; it brings hope, security, and a brighter future.

Donate your Zakat today to give an orphan a new tomorrow.

Donate Now

To watch our Zakat Video on Youtube, click here.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat

Is Zakat for orphans valid? Short

Yes, orphans are a primary eligible group for Zakat and caring for them is a highly meritorious use of Zakat funds.

How much is Zakat? Short

The standard rate is 2.5% of zakatable wealth after nisab. If you’re unsure how to calculate, use an online Zakat calculator or consult a scholar.

Can you give zakat at any time of the year ? Short

Yes, it can be given at any time within a year.

Will I get proof my Zakat reached children? Short

Yes, donors receive receipts and program updates. We also publish program reports and impact summaries to ensure accountability..

What is Zakat and why is it important in Islam? Basic

Obligatory 2.5% charity, 3rd pillar of Islam, purifies wealth.

Who is required to pay Zakat? Basic

Adult Muslims with wealth above nisab for one lunar year.

What is the nisab (minimum wealth threshold) for Zakat? Basic

Value of 85g gold or 595g silver.

How often do I need to pay Zakat? Basic

Once every lunar year.

What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah? Basic

Zakat = obligatory, fixed rules; Sadaqah = voluntary, flexible.

How do I calculate how much Zakat I owe? Calculation

Total zakatable assets & immediate debts × 2.5%.

Which assets are zakatable (cash, gold, investments, business inventory)? Calculation

Cash, gold/silver, business stock, investments, receivables.

Can I use a Zakat calculator to make this easier? Calculation

Yes, it helps ensure accuracy.

Do I pay Zakat on debts I owe or am owed? Calculation

Deduct debts you owe; include debts owed to you if likely collectible.

Is Zakat calculated on gross income or net savings Calculation

Net zakatable savings/assets, not gross salary.

Can Zakat be given to orphans? Recipients

Yes, if they are poor/needy.

Who are the eligible recipients of Zakat according to the Qur’an? Recipients

Eight groups in Qur’an 9:60 (poor, needy, indebted, etc.).

Can I give my Zakat directly to a family member in need? Recipients

Yes, if poor, except parents, children, spouse.

Why are orphans considered one of the most deserving groups for Zakat? Recipients

They are vulnerable and often poor.

How do you ensure 100% Shariah compliance with Zakat funds? Compliance

By keeping Zakat funds restricted and following fiqh rules.

How do you separate Zakat funds from general donations? Compliance

Best practice is restricted accounts; ask them for confirmation.

Are there audits or oversight on how Zakat is used? Compliance

Yes, nonprofit IRS filings and audits exist.

How can I be sure my Zakat goes directly to orphans? Transparency

Designate funds as “Zakat” for orphan care.

Do you provide reports or updates on how Zakat funds are spent? Transparency

Yes, via impact or donor reports ask Embrace Relief.

Can I see stories or impact reports from children supported by Zakat? Transparency

Yes, available on request & on site.

Do you publish financial audits or annual reports? Transparency

Yes, IRS 990s and annual reports.

How can I donate my Zakat online? Donation

Yes, through our website.

Can I set up a recurring donation for Zakat? Donation

Yes, monthly or annual setup possible.

Is my Zakat donation tax-deductible? Donation

Yes, in the U.S. (501(c)(3)).

Can I donate Zakat on behalf of someone else (e.g., deceased relatives)? Donation

Yes, with intention.

What payment methods do you accept (credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)? Donation

Credit card, PayPal, ACH/bank transfer (check site).

How many orphans are currently supported by Embrace Relief ? More FAQ

200 Orphans.

What happens if more Zakat is collected than one orphanage needs? More FAQ

Reallocated to other eligible needs such as hunger relief, clean water, or carried forward to the next distribution cycle..

Can I sponsor a specific orphan with my Zakat? More FAQ

Yes, if the program allows orphan sponsorship with Zakat;

Can Zakat be used for emergencies (like food shortages, healthcare crises, or conflict zones)? More FAQ

Yes, Zakat can be used for urgent needs if recipients are poor/needy and distribution follows Shariah rules.

Learn More About Our Causes:

Orphan Care:

More than 160 children currently live in orphanages supported by Embrace Relief, receiving food, water, shelter, education, and health care.

Learn More

Calculate Your ZAKAT

Calculate your Zakat obligation with our Zakat Calculator. Then, make a donation in that amount to Embrace Relief's humanitarian causes to support the poorest, most vulnerable members of our communities.

Gold & Silver The value of all gold and silver items you own, including jewelry, personal use ornaments, utensils, and others.

Cash

Cash at Home / in Bank Cash assets include all money in your bank account(s), and at home or on your person. Any interest you have received at the bank is haram and must not be included.

Other expected receivables Estimated tax refunds, refundable deposits, salary or professional payments which you expect to receive by the Zakat due date.

Value of deferred income Deferred income includes any overdue payments, such as unpaid invoices or personal loans owed to you, which you expect to receive by the Zakat due date.

Investment/other income Business investments, saving certificates, pensions (if funded by money in one's own possession)

Trade Goods

Value of stocks The current value of all stocks, shares and/or private equity investments in your portfolio.

Liabilities

Necessary immediately due debts (rent, food, utilities, insurance, medical, education, transportation, etc.). Only enter debts that you intend to pay by the Zakat due date. No longer-term debts are permitted to be included.

Total Value $0.00

Total Zakat Due $0.00

Pay your Zakat with Embrace Relief

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