Frequently Asked Questions

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, an obligatory charitable contribution. It is due from Muslims who possess wealth above a certain threshold (Nisab) for a lunar year. The standard rate is 2.5% of qualifying wealth. ZakatSmart helps you accurately determine if you meet the threshold and calculate the correct amount.

ZakatSmart is a digital solution designed to modernize how Zakat is collected and distributed in Uganda. Our platform makes it easier for Muslims to calculate, pay, and track their Zakat contributions while ensuring transparent and efficient distribution to those in need. We aim to increase Zakat compliance, improve distribution effectiveness, and strengthen community trust through transparency.

ZakatSmart was developed by a team of Muslim technologists, Islamic finance experts, and community leaders in Uganda. The platform is overseen by a board that includes Islamic scholars to ensure religious compliance, financial experts to maintain fiscal responsibility, and technology professionals to ensure a smooth user experience.

Currently, ZakatSmart operates primarily in Uganda. However, we have plans to expand to other African countries in the future. Our phased expansion will include neighboring countries first, with additional language support and integration with local financial services.

ZakatSmart uses Islamic guidelines to calculate Zakat correctly. Our system tracks different asset categories (cash, gold, silver, investments, business inventory, etc.) and applies the appropriate calculation method to each. The app also factors in debts and expenses to ensure an accurate final figure.

Assets subject to Zakat include: cash, bank deposits, gold, silver, stocks and investments, business inventory, rental properties (the value of the property, not just the income), agricultural produce (with different rates), livestock, and receivable loans. ZakatSmart helps you categorize all these assets properly for accurate calculations.

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before being obligated to pay Zakat. It is calculated based on the value of either 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. ZakatSmart automatically updates the current value of gold and silver to provide an accurate Nisab threshold for your calculations.

Yes, most scholars agree that short-term debts (those due within the current year) can be deducted from your zakatable assets. ZakatSmart allows you to enter all your debts and indicates which ones can be deducted from your Zakat calculation based on Islamic guidance.

ZakatSmart accepts various payment methods including: Mobile Money (MTN, Airtel), bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and in-person payments at designated collection centers. We continually expand our payment options to make it as convenient as possible for users.

The core services of ZakatSmart, including Zakat calculation and educational resources, are completely free. For payment processing, we deduct a minimal administrative fee (less than 2.5%) to cover operational costs. These fees are not taken from the Zakat funds themselves but are charged separately to ensure 100% of your Zakat reaches those in need.

Yes, ZakatSmart allows for payment in installments. You can set up a regular payment schedule that works for you, whether monthly, quarterly, or on your own custom schedule. The app will track your progress and notify you of remaining balances.

According to Islamic teachings, Zakat can be given to eight categories of people: the poor (Fuqara), the needy (Masakeen), Zakat administrators, those whose hearts need to be reconciled, to free captives, those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and travelers in need. ZakatSmart prioritizes applications based on these categories and the level of need.

ZakatSmart offers multiple application channels for recipients. Applications are reviewed by a committee of qualified administrators using a systematic and fair process. Eligibility is determined based on Islamic guidelines for Zakat recipients, and funds are distributed accordingly. All applications are treated with dignity and privacy.

Required documentation typically includes: proof of identity, evidence of financial need (income statements, utility bills, rent receipts), and documentation specific to your category of need (such as medical bills for healthcare assistance or enrollment fees for educational support). Our field representatives can help you gather the necessary documents.

ZakatSmart is available as a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, a web version can be accessed from any desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection. The app is optimized to work even in areas with limited connectivity.

Your ZakatSmart account maintains a complete history of all your Zakat calculations and payments. You can access this information in the "History" section of the app. The platform provides digital receipts for all payments, which you can download or share as needed.

Yes, ZakatSmart allows you to update your asset values at any time. You can make adjustments as your financial situation changes, and the system will send you regular reminders to keep your information current. This ensures that your Zakat calculation remains accurate throughout the year.

Yes. ZakatSmart employs enterprise-grade security measures to protect your data. We use encryption for all sensitive information, secure authentication methods, and regular security audits. Your financial information is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

We take recipient privacy very seriously. All recipient information is kept confidential, and our reporting only shows anonymized data about distribution categories and regions. Our application process is designed to preserve the dignity of recipients, and staff members sign strict confidentiality agreements.

Yes, you have control over your data. You can request account deletion through the app settings, and we will remove all your personal information from our systems. For regulatory compliance, certain transaction records may be retained for a limited period, but they will be anonymized.