Ramadan Zakat (Zakah) is not just an annual obligation. It is a test of true Taqwa.
Most Muslims prefer to pay their Zakat during Ramadan. It is the month of fasting, mercy, and spiritual purification. But this year, gold prices have risen sharply. As gold increases in value, the Zakat due on gold also increases.
And suddenly, paying the correct amount feels heavy on the nafs.
Yet Ramadan is the month where we train ourselves to defeat the nafs by giving up food, water and marital intimacy.
Can we defeat our nafs and pay Zakat properly?
Do you want Allah’s mercy?
Allah Links Zakat with Taqwa and His Mercy.
My mercy encompasses all things. But I will decree it for those who have Taqwa, give Zakat, and believe in Our signs.”
Quran Chapter 7 Verse 156
This verse is powerful.
Allah’s mercy is vast. It encompasses everything. But when Allah speaks about writing His special mercy for certain people, He mentions two qualities together:
- They have Taqwa.
- They give Zakat.
Ramadan is the month of mercy. Allah’s mercy is only for those who have Taqwa and give Zakat.
If you would like to know the duties of a Muslim towards the Quran, click here.
Zakat Purifies Wealth and the Soul
Allah says:
Take from their wealth a Zakat by which you purify them and cause them to grow.”
Quran Chapter 9 Verse 103
This verse explains the deeper wisdom behind Zakat.
The word “Zakat” itself comes from meanings of purification and growth.
Zakat is not merely a financial transaction. It is purification.
When you give Zakat correctly, your wealth becomes clean. Your heart becomes lighter. Your provision is placed under divine blessing.
Ramadan is the month of purification. Fasting purifies the body and soul. Zakat purifies wealth.
Rising Gold Prices: A Real Test of the Nafs
When gold prices increase, your Zakat calculation must reflect that change.
Some may be tempted to:
- Use outdated gold rates
- Estimate casually
- Round down the amount
- Delay recalculating
- Use obscure Fatwas to reduce Zakat amount
But Allah knows what is due.
If we strive for Taqwa through fasting, how can we hesitate when wealth is tested?
The Severe Warning for Withholding Zakat
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Judgement Day, his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’ ” Then the Prophet (ﷺ) recited the verses:’Let not those who withhold . . .’ (3:180 to the end of the verse).
Bukhari # 1403
Wealth that is not purified by Zakat becomes a source of regret.
Zakat Does Not Reduce Wealth
Allah says:
Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities.
Quran Chapter 2 Verse 276
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Charity does not decrease wealth.
Sahih Muslim # 2588
Zakat does not diminish your wealth.
An Accident or Cancer
You may think you are saving money by underpaying Zakat. Remember, it is Allah who controls your Rizq.
What if you are tested with:
- A serious accident and overwhelming medical bills
- A life-altering illness like cancer
- The sudden loss of someone you love
Who can protect you from such trials except Allah?
Is it Allah you want to withhold from?
Remember, the money you think you ‘save’ by underpaying Zakat, may leave you in another way.
How to Pay Ramadan Zakat Correctly
To ensure your Ramadan Zakat reflects true Taqwa:
- Confirm you meet the nisab threshold
- Check the current gold market value
- Calculate Zakat accurately
- Avoid shortcuts
- Pay promptly without delay
Conclusion
Ramadan Zakat is the test of true Taqwa.
Allah links His mercy with those who have Taqwa and give Zakat (7:156).
If we seek Allah’s mercy this Ramadan, we must fulfill what is due.
Defeat the nafs.
Pay the correct amount.
Earn purification and divine mercy.
In this blessed month, let your Zakat prove your sincerity.
FAQs
How does 7:156 connect Zakat and Taqwa?
Allah explicitly states that His mercy is written for those who have Taqwa and give Zakat.
Does rising gold price affect Ramadan Zakat?
Yes. Zakat must be calculated based on the current market value of gold.
What happens if someone does not give Zakat?
The Prophet ﷺ warned that withheld wealth will become a source of punishment (Bukhari # 1403).
Does giving Zakat reduce wealth?
No. Charity does not decrease wealth (Sahih Muslim # 2588).
What is the linguistic meaning of Zakat?
Zakat means “To purify” and “To grow”. Zakat purifies your wealth and also makes it grow.
If this reminder benefits you, share it. Someone may correct their Ramadan Zakat because of you and that may become your ongoing reward.
