Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has clarified that the Islamic ruling for calculating zakat is based on the lunar (Hijri) year, with a standard rate of 2.5%. However, when it becomes difficult to calculate zakat according to the Hijri year — such as in institutions that use the Gregorian fiscal year — it is permissible to calculate zakat accordingly, provided that the rate is increased to 2.577% to account for the difference in year length.
The institution also addressed a related question regarding giving zakat to relatives, emphasizing that Islam prioritizes helping one’s needy family members, as this strengthens family and social bonds. Citing the Qur’an, it stated:
“Whatever you spend of good is for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and travelers.” (Al-Baqarah: 215).
Dar Al-Ifta further explained that giving zakat to relatives who are not financially dependent on the giver doubles the reward — as it is both charity and an act of kinship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Charity to the poor is charity, and to a relative is twofold: charity and maintaining ties of kinship.”
However, it stressed that zakat cannot be given to those whose maintenance is obligatory upon the giver — such as parents or children — unless they are in debt, in which case zakat may be given under the “debtor” category.
Dar Al-Ifta concluded that calculating zakat by the Gregorian calendar is permissible when necessary, provided the adjusted percentage is applied, and that helping relatives in need through zakat remains one of the most virtuous forms of charity.
