Do Muslims only pay Zakat in Ramadan?

Alhamdulillah Ramadan has arrived! All Muslims have started preparing for Ramadan, starting from planning iftar events with friends and relatives via Whatsapp messages, selecting mosques to carry out Tarawih and Itikaf, and calculating the amount of Zakat that must be paid. The month of Ramadan is loved and enjoyed by all Muslims, both rich and poor. One of the practices that must be carried out by a Muslim in the month of Ramadan is Zakat. There are different types of zakat given during Ramadan such as Zakat Al-Fitr, Zakat Al-Mal, Shadaqah, etc.

Ramadan is the moment of multiplying the reward

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

"Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive Hasanah (good deeds) from it (ie reading), and hasanah multiplied by ten. I did not say that Alif-Laam-Miim is (considered as) one letter, but Alif is one letter, Laam one letter, and Miim one letter.” (Tirmidzi)

During the month of Ramadan, we are allowed to collect rewards many times over. Ramadan not only allows us to cleanse our past sins but during Ramadhan, every good deed is multiplied 70 times by Allah SWT.

Types of Charity Given in the Month of Ramadan

Zakat Al-Fitr

Zakat Fitrah must be given by the head of the family before the start of the Eid prayer, to the poor and underprivileged. This is to ensure that all Muslims celebrate Eid without hunger filled with happiness and joy. Rice is generally used as a measure in giving Zakat Fitrah.

Sadaqah

It is a type of voluntary charity. Shadaqah is referred to as an act of kindness that is done by one Muslim to another, be it a smile or a donation of wealth for their daily life, etc. It is a form of charity that is not limited to only the rich but every Muslim can do Shadaqah in any way they can.

The Prophet (SAW) said:

"Every Muslim must give in Shadaqah (charity)." People asked, “O Rasulullah (saw)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give charity (of what he earns)." People further asked, "If he can't even do that?" He replied, "Then he must help the needy who ask for help." Then people asked, "If he can't do that?" He replied, “Then he should do all that is good and shun all that is evil and this will be considered as charity.” (Bukhori)

Zakat Mal

Zakat Al-Mal is a mandatory Shadaqah that is obligatory for every Muslim who can afford it. 2.5% of the accumulated wealth of a Muslim is calculated annually, and the proceeds must be distributed among the eight groups entitled to receive zakat.

Al-Qur'an emphasizes the Groups that can receive Zakat

"Taqwa is not turning your face to the east or west, but [true] piety is in those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and give wealth, despite love for it, for relatives, orphans , the needy, travelers, those who ask for [help], and to free slaves; [and who] establish prayers and give zakat; [those who] fulfill their promises when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during the battle. They are the righteous, and they are the pious." (Q.S 2:177)

When Should You Pay Zakat?

Zakat Mal must be paid when one Hijriyyah year (Hawl) has passed. If your assets exceed the Nisab (the minimum amount a Muslim must have before being required to pay Zakat). According to several sources, the amount of Nisab Zakat Mal is equivalent to 85 grams of gold owned for 12 months. Zakat can be paid at any time throughout the year, but may not exceed more than one Hawl. Meanwhile, Zakat Fitrah can be paid until before the Eid Prayer is held.

Why Do Muslims Pay Zakat in Ramadan?

As mentioned earlier, Ramadan is a month full of blessings in which your reward for good deeds is multiplied. Most Muslims prefer to pay zakat in the month of Ramadan to get more rewards. Paying Zakat annually during Ramadan also ensures you don't delay paying your Zakat beyond Hawl. Ramadhan can be used as a reference for calculating the beginning rather than going through the Gregorian calendar which tends to be confusing and even triggers forgetting. Therefore using Ramadan as a benchmark for making Zakat payments would be great and useful!

Conclusion

Zakat is a mandatory alms that must be given by every Muslim who can afford it. Since Ramadan is the month of blessings where our good deeds are multiplied, Muslims prefer to increase their charity during this month. Including paying zakat this month. Apart from Zakat Fitrah which is obligatory to be paid at the end of Ramadan, Zakat Mal is also usually paid in Ramadan especially for 2 reasons (1) the reward is multiplied 70 times, and (2) you have a fixed date for your Zakat payment so you don't miss it!