Which Zakat Do I Owe? A Quick Guide

By the Editorial Team · reviewed against our sources · updated September 2026 · guidance, not a fatwa

Not sure what you owe? Answer a few questions and this guide points you to the right obligation — Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr, Fidya, Kaffarah or Sadaqah — and the tool to work it out.

Tick everything that applies to you:

I have owned wealth (cash, gold, silver, business or investments) above the nisab threshold for a full lunar year. It is the end of Ramadan and I need to give the charity due before the Eid prayer. I missed Ramadan fasts that I genuinely cannot make up (e.g. old age or chronic illness). I deliberately broke a Ramadan fast, or I broke a solemn oath. I simply want to give voluntary charity for extra reward.

This is general guidance, not a fatwa. Several may apply at once. Confirm your situation with a qualified scholar.

The different Islamic dues, explained

Muslims can have several distinct financial duties, and they are easy to confuse. Zakat is the annual 2.5% on wealth above nisab. Zakat al-Fitr is the small per-person charity before Eid. Fidya compensates for fasts you cannot keep; Kaffarah is the heavier expiation for deliberately breaking a fast or an oath; and Sadaqah is voluntary charity. More than one can apply to you at the same time.

Guidance only, not a fatwa. Confirm your situation with a qualified scholar.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay Zakat?

If you have owned wealth above the nisab threshold for a full lunar year, yes — 2.5% is due. Use the guide above to check your situation.

What is the difference between Zakat and Fidya?

Zakat is the annual charity on wealth; Fidya compensates for Ramadan fasts you genuinely cannot keep or make up.

Can I owe more than one at once?

Yes — for example Zakat on your wealth and Zakat al-Fitr before Eid can both apply in the same year.