Faithful Reflections

  Introduction: The Third Pillar and Its Imperative   Zakat, the obligatory almsgiving constituting Islam's third pillar, transcends mere charity. It is a divinely ordained mechanism for wealth purification ( tazkiyah ), social equity, and economic justice within the Muslim community ( Ummah ). Its meticulous calculation and distribution are acts of worship ( ibadah ) demanding informed understanding. This article synthesizes classical jurisprudence ( fiqh ) across the primary Sunni schools (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) with contemporary scholarly discourse to address prevalent questions and complexities surrounding Zakat fulfilment. I. Foundational Eligibility: Nisab and Hawl The Threshold (Nisab): Defined as the minimum quantum of surplus wealth obligating Zakat. Traditionally calibrated to the value of  87.48 grams of gold  or  612.36 grams of silver . Madhhab Differential: Hanafi School:  Predominantly employs the  silver  sta...