Understanding Zakat: Importance and Misunderstandings in Nigeria

The article by Isiaq Ajibola addresses the critical role of zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, in the lives of Nigerian Muslims. Despite the obligation to give zakat, there remains a significant misunderstanding and underperformance in its payment among the Muslim population, which comprises 56% of Nigeria's populace according to Pew Research Center.

In 2014, zakat collections were modest, with five leading zakat agencies disbursing approximately 736 million Naira to just 4,200 beneficiaries. The article stresses that zakat is not merely charity but a system designed to purify wealth and uplift society.

It requires a fixed payment of 2.5% on net wealth once the threshold (nisab) is reached, which is currently measured at approximately 19.1 million Naira. The author notes that many eligible Muslims do not understand how to calculate zakat properly, leading to confusion and underpayment, which undermines the intended social and economic benefits of this religious obligation.