FAQ

Zakat is the third of the five obligatory pillars of Islam and also an act of worship. It literally means “to purify”. Donating a small portion of one’s wealth to the needy purifies a Muslim’s wealth.

Zakat is not only a means of purifying one’s wealth, but also a spiritual purification that serves to bring a person closer to God. It is taken from the “rich” in society and given to the “poor”.

More wisdom behind zakat:

– Zakat purifies the giver, because he is thus freed from avarice and greed.

– Zakat brings great joy to both the giver and the receiver.

– Zakat “extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi).

And the best part is:

– Zakat does not diminish wealth, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No alms diminishes wealth” (musulim).

All Muslim adults who are mentally healthy and have nisab (i.e. the minimum amount of property held for a year) are obligated to pay zakat according to Islam.

The Nisab is made up of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. To calculate the amount in francs, the 85 grams must be multiplied by the current price of a gram of gold. According to some Hanafi scholars, Nisab is calculated based on the value of money. Example of Nisab (gold) calculation: 85 grams * gold price 55.44 CHF (11/16/20) = 4,712.4 CHF. Example of Nisab (silver) calculation: 595 grams * silver price 0.73 CHF (16.11.20) = 434.35 CHF This means that from the moment a person’s fortune exceeds 4,712, 4 CHF and holds it for a year, this person must pay zakat on his wealth that he holds after one year. Depending on the price of silver, the Nisab in this case would be 434.35 CHF. Tip: If you choose to calculate based on the price of money, you can already “clean” your assets with a lower amount through Zakat and at the same time find yourself on the “safe side”.

Zakat is equal to 2.5% of the net assets held by a person as of the cut-off date. The due date is first set one lunar year after the date the Nisab is first reached, then annually on that date, as long as the Nisab is not reached. For a detailed calculation of the net value of your zakat, you can make an appointment with the imam you trust. Tip: The zakat calculators you can find on the Internet do not take your individual situation into account. We recommend that you calculate the exact zakat with an expert or simply round generously to account for any assets that may be subject to zakat.
Zakat is used by the Swiss charity Barakah for the first three groups of zakat beneficiaries, namely the poor, the needy and those involved in the distribution of zakat. (Compare Surah Tauba, verse 60)Zakat eligible programs for the poor and needy are promoted and thus zakat helps in emergency and development projects. Zakat is used where the Barakah Charity currently sees the greatest need and greatest benefit!
To the Prophet Muhammad who was once asked what the kurban (or Udhiyah) was, the Prophet replied: “It is the tradition of your father Ibrahim. For every hair of kurban (sacrifice), you receive a reward from God (Allah).” According to Islamic tradition, the practice of sacrifice dates back to the prophet Ibrahim, who dreamed that God commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail.
The days of Kurban are the 10th, 11th and 12th of the month of DhulHijjah in the lunar calendar. The Prophet Muhammad said: “The first thing we do on Eid is to perform the prayers. Then we return home and perform our kurban (sacrifice). So, for those who perform these acts, they have followed our tradition. And for those who slaughtered before that, the meat is intended for family members and not as an act of qurban”. You can order your kurban from the Barakah Charity association any time before Eid.

Kurban is practiced by the Barakah Charity association from the 10th of DhullHijja after Eid Khutba until sunset on the 12th of DhullHijja (3 days). We stop receiving donations at midnight on the 11th of DhullHijja. According to the Hanafis, Kurban is a Waajib for every adult Muslim. However, other schools of Islamic jurisprudence consider it a Sunnah. The kurban is made every year on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. The kurban can be performed on behalf of another person. It is permissible to give the kurban in the name of the Prophet seen or another deceased Muslim.

A kurban is 1/7 of a large cow (cow, ox, water buffalo) or a camel, or a whole sheep or goat.

To be accepted as a kurban, animals must be slaughtered using the proper Islamic method (Halal). The Barakah Charity charity selects animals according to the requirements of the Sunnah: The animal must be selected from a healthy herd without visible defects. Sheep and goats must be at least one year old and are considered 1 kurban. Cattle must be at least two years old and are considered 7 kurban. Camels must be at least five years old and are considered 7 kurban. Animals should not be blind, emaciated (sick), toothless or with broken limbs, preferably the ears and tail should be whole, but this is not necessary.

Sharpen the knife before slaughtering the animal. We ensure that the animal is slaughtered with the right knife. Feed the animal, give it water and calm it, show it kindness and mercy. Ensure that the slaughter area is clean and free of live animals. Make arrangements for blood drainage, fly control and general cleanliness. Guide the animal towards humane slaughter. Do not carry out the slaughter process in front of other live animals. Follow strict health procedures.

According to Islamic law, the legal purification of animal meat requires that the following conditions be met: Doing the intention. Recite the name of God (Tasmiyah) while slaughtering the animal (preferably out loud). Cleansing the animal should not begin until the animal has stopped kicking. Separate meat and offal as soon as possible, keep them clean and cool.

We perform kurban mainly in the poorest countries in the world. These countries include Malawi, Somalia, Benin, etc. (This list is not exhaustive). Specific requests for kurban in other regions may be considered for interested parties.
Animal availability and local preferences determine which animals will be slaughtered, so it is not possible to specify.

According to Islamic traditions, it is best to divide the meat into three parts. One part for personal consumption, one part for parents and one part for the poor and needy (preferably Muslims). As we perform Kurban in your name, we distribute 100% of the meat to the needy. We do not give the meat and skin for remuneration. The skins (leather) will be distributed to those who need them. Give the meat you want to receive and eat it yourself. We ensure that there is no waste.

All fresh meat benefits poor and needy local families so that they can participate in the Eid celebration. The meat is either distributed so families can prepare a hot, nutritious meal for Eid, or our local teams organize community meals where we prepare and cook hot, nutritious meals for needy people in the area.

During this time, Islamic tradition requires that you do not cut your hair or nails or remove any part of the skin.

We will no longer accept kurban donations after the second day of Eid.
A Kurban helps at least 30 people.
No, Kurban is a separate obligation.
We will send a receipt to confirm the donation, but we cannot provide notification when individual Kurbans have been completed due to logistical complexity.
Yes, the Barakah Charity Association is a tax-exempt organization and your donation is deductible under Swiss law guidelines. We will automatically send you a donation receipt after the end of the year!Remember to inform us of any change of address, etc.