Answered by Shaykh Abu Usamah
I recently registered for an Islamic course, but was unable to go. Instead of asking for a refund can I let them have the cost with the intention of zakah? Also how much exactly is a ”zakatable amount”?
Al-Salam `alaykum
It is a condition for the validity of Zakah that it must be given over in ownership to a deserving recipient. Thus it cannot be given to an organization to be used for their expenses. However if the organization collects Zakah to distribute amongst the poor and needy then you can hand your Zakah to them for distribution.
I don’t understand what you are trying to ask when you wrote: “how much exactly is a ”zakatable amount”?
If you mean the minimum amount that a person needs to possess before Zakah becomes obligatory on them (known as Nisab) then this is an amount that differs from place to place, and time to time depending on the value of gold or silver. I suggest you contact any local `Ulama organization and enquire of them the precise amount in your area.
If you are asking about rate of Zakah then it is 2.5% of all your Zakatable assets.
Allah Ta`ala knows best.
Durban, South Africa