Intention for Zakat or Charity

Question: If one intentionally overestimates one’s zakat, is it valid to intend that whatever is extra counts a charity? Does it matter if one is not really sure how much is extra?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

If one gives more than the zakat that is due intending it all as zakat, then whatever was due will count as zakat and whatever is extra will count as charity. However, one must not intend that it is all both zakat and charity, or either or (Al Majmu, Nawawi).

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language