Zakat is a compulsory form of charitable giving in Islam. It is paid by Muslims who are financially able and is used to support people experiencing poverty or hardship.
At Helping Households Under Great Stress (HHUGS), Zakat donations help vulnerable Muslim individuals and families who are struggling to meet basic living needs due to poverty, debt, housing insecurity, or sudden crisis.
HHUGS distributes Zakat in line with Islamic principles and in accordance with its responsibilities as a UK-registered charity, ensuring funds are used lawfully, transparently, and for clear public benefit.
Zakat means “purification” in Arabic. In Islam, it is a way of sharing wealth so that those who are struggling can meet their essential needs.
Islamic teachings specify who Zakat can be given to. These categories are set out in the Qur’an (Surah 9:60) and include people who are poor, in debt, or facing hardship while away from home.
Zakat is worked out by taking 2.5% of money and valuables you have saved for one year, if they are above a minimum amount (Nisab).This is different from general donations: it must be used only for eligible recipients and specific purposes.
Nisab is the minimum amount of savings you need before Zakat becomes due. It is based on the value of gold or silver.
Approximate examples (for guidance only):
If your savings stay above one of these amounts for one lunar year, Zakat is usually due at 2.5%.
If your savings are below the Nisab, you do not need to pay Zakat.
Many people choose the silver Nisab, as it helps Zakat reach more people in need. Using gold is also valid.
If you are unsure, you may donate any amount or give a general donation instead.
Zakat donations support essential living needs, including:
All Zakat funds are ring-fenced and used only for eligible beneficiaries, in line with Qur’an 9:60.
HHUGS primarily supports Muslim individuals and families who:
Each case is assessed by trained caseworkers to ensure assistance is given fairly, consistently, and to those most in need.
Zakat is usually provided through:
Where appropriate, HHUGS may pay essential bills directly or provide essential goods, provided the support clearly benefits an eligible recipient. Zakat is distributed as quickly as reasonably possible.
Zakat is treated as a restricted fund and managed separately from other donations.
Up to 12.5% may be used to cover direct costs of delivering Zakat, such as assessments and bank transfer fees. Zakat is not used for fundraising, marketing, or general campaigning.
HHUGS keeps clear records and reporting to meet Charity Commission requirements and to maintain donor trust.
If you have any questions about Zakat or how donations are used, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 2077332104
We’re happy to help.
No. Zakat is a specific type of religious charity. It must be used only for eligible recipients and purposes defined in Islamic teachings. Other donations (such as Sadaqah) can be used more flexibly.
HHUGS assesses each case through trained caseworkers. Support is given only to people who meet Islamic eligibility criteria and are experiencing genuine financial hardship.
A limited amount (up to 12.5%) may be used to cover direct costs of delivering Zakat, such as assessments and bank transfer fees. Zakat is not used for fundraising, marketing, or campaigning.
HHUGS cannot guarantee Zakat will be used for a named individual. If it cannot be applied to one case, it will be used for another eligible recipient in line with our Zakat policy.
HHUGS aims to distribute Zakat as quickly as reasonably possible, prioritising urgent need.
No. Donors are responsible for calculating their own Zakat. HHUGS can provide general guidance but does not issue personal religious rulings.
Yes. Zakat donations are treated as restricted funds, managed separately, and used only for lawful charitable purposes that provide clear public benefit.
