Zakat Mal is a form of obligatory almsgiving for Muslims who own wealth that reaches a certain amount, known as the nisab. This zakat has specific rules for its calculation, in accordance with Islamic law.
As one of the pillars of Islam, zakat plays an important role in maintaining social and economic balance within the community. Unfortunately, many Muslims are more familiar with zakat al-fitr than with zakat mal.
In fact, zakat mal also carries obligations that must be fulfilled when a person’s wealth meets certain criteria. To gain a deeper understanding of zakat mal, here’s a complete explanation of its meaning, rulings, conditions, and how to calculate it.
Definition of Zakat Mal and Its Ruling
“The word ‘mal’ comes from Arabic, meaning wealth or property. Literally, zakat mal refers to zakat imposed on wealth owned by individuals or businesses. In Islam, various types of assets are subject to zakat, including gold, silver, cash, agricultural produce, livestock, and trade assets.
The main purpose of zakat mal is to purify wealth and assist those in need, thereby creating economic balance within society. Allah SWT has prescribed the obligation of zakat in the Qur’an and Hadith, stating that a portion of a person’s wealth must be given to those entitled to receive it.
Paying zakat mal is not only a religious obligation but also an act of social responsibility. Zakat helps reduce economic inequality and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims. By giving zakat, a Muslim also expresses gratitude for the blessings and sustenance granted by Allah SWT.
Also read: Zakat Fitrah – Definition and Payment Rules
Conditions for Zakat Mal
After understanding the meaning of zakat mal, it’s important to know the conditions that must be met for the zakat to be valid and in accordance with Islamic law. Here are the main conditions for zakat mal:
1. Full Ownership
The wealth subject to zakat must be fully owned by the individual or business. This means it should not be disputed property, borrowed, or managed by another party in a way that limits its use.
2. Growth/Increase
Next, the wealth that must be given as zakat should have the potential to grow or increase. For example, trade assets, investments, and savings that continue to appreciate in value.
3. Reaching Nisab
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth subject to zakat. For zakat mal, the nisab is usually equivalent to 85 grams of gold over a period of one year. Therefore, if the wealth has not reached the nisab, zakat is not obligatory.
4. Exceeding Basic Needs
Next, the wealth eligible for zakat is that which exceeds the basic needs of the owner and their family. This includes essentials such as food, shelter, and education for the owner and other family members.
5. Free from Debt
If a person has debts that need to be paid immediately, the debt amount can reduce the wealth considered for zakat. However, if the remaining wealth still reaches the nisab after deducting debts, zakat is still obligatory.
6. Ownership for One Year (Haul)
Wealth subject to zakat must be owned for a full year according to the Hijri calendar. If the wealth has not been held for a full year, zakat is not yet obligatory.
How to Calculate Zakat Mal
To ensure that zakat is paid in accordance with Islamic law, here’s the correct way to calculate zakat mal:
1. Calculate Total Assets
Hitung seluruh harta yang kamu miliki, baik berupa uang tunai, tabungan, emas, perak, aset dagang, atau investasi. Semua jenis harta yang berkembang harus diperhitungkan dalam zakat mal.
2. Reduce Debt and Basic Needs
Once you know your total assets, subtract any outstanding debts and daily necessities. The remaining assets after these deductions form the basis for calculating zakat.
3. Ensure the Nisab
Kemudian, bandingkan jumlah harta yang tersisa dengan nisab zakat mal yang setara dengan 85 gram emas untuk perhitungan selama satu tahun. Apabila jumlah harta telah mencapai atau melebihi nisab, maka wajib dikeluarkan zakat.
4. Menghitung Zakat
Jika harta telah mencapai nisab dan telah dimiliki selama satu tahun penuh, maka zakat yang harus dikeluarkan sebesar 2,5% dari total harta yang tersisa setelah dikurangi hutang dan kebutuhan pokok.
Contoh perhitungan: Jika seseorang memiliki total harta sebesar Rp100.000.000 setelah dikurangi hutang dan kebutuhan pokok, maka zakat yang harus dibayarkan adalah:2,5% x Rp100.000.000 = Rp2.500.000
Understanding the meaning of zakat al-mal, as well as the rules and how to calculate it, is crucial for every Muslim, especially those who have reached the nisab threshold. Through zakat al-mal, a person not only fulfills a religious obligation but also helps create social and economic balance in society.
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