The Fiqh of Zakat on Business and Trade: Contemporary Applications

About The Course

Zakat is one of the most frequently asked yet least clearly understood obligations in Muslim life today—especially when it comes to businesses, savings, shares, and modern income. This advanced course bridges the gap between classical Hanafi fiqh and real-world financial realities. Grounded in Mukhtasar al-Quduri, the course goes beyond theory to equip you with practical tools to calculate, assess, and apply Zakat confidently. Through real case studies, comparative madhhab discussions, and step-by-step calculations, you will finally gain clarity on complex Zakat issues. If you deal with money, trade, or Zakat questions—this course will change how you understand and practice Zakat.

Course Team

Mufti Ahmad Afnan Alam

(LLM, SOAS, University of London | Takhassus fil-Iftaa, Jamia-tur-Rasheed)

AT A GLANCE

4 Live Online Sessions

Duration: 4 Weeks

Sundays, 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM (London, UK)

Local Time for International Students:

United States (New York, EST)/ Canada: 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM
Ireland (Dublin): 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
France / Germany: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
South Africa (Johannesburg): 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Australia (Sydney / Melbourne): 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM

Video Recordings Available

Mobile App

Live Q&A

Digital Certificate

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Starts on 22nd February 2026

Course Fee:

Free

Registration Deadline:

21st February 2026

Share This Course:

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”

~ [Qur’an 2:110]

Sessions

Module 1

1: The Fiqh of Zakat on Business and Trade

● Zakat as a Pillar of Faith and Social Justice.
● Maqasid of Zakat and Wealth Circulation.
● Zakat in the Islamic Financial System.
● Zakat, Poverty Alleviation and Social Balance.
● Comparison with Tax Systems and Socialism.

Allah says in Quran: “O you who believe, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have brought forth for you from the earth.”

~ [Quran, 2: 267]

Course Overview

Zakat is not merely a ritual obligation; it is a pillar of Islam with deep legal, moral, and economic significance. This course offers a structured and applied study of Zakat, beginning with its philosophy, objectives, and role in the Islamic financial system. Students will explore how Zakat functions as a tool for wealth purification, social justice, and poverty alleviation, while also understanding how it fundamentally differs from modern tax regimes and socialist redistribution models.

The course then moves into detailed fiqh discussions based on Mukhtasar al-Quduri, covering essential topics such as conditions of Zakat, Nisab, Hawl, zakatable and non-zakatable assets, recipients of Zakat, and legal restrictions. Special emphasis is placed on Zakat on trade and businesses, including inventory, cash, receivables, liabilities, shares held for dividends or capital gains, debts, and modern commercial practices. Comparative discussions highlight areas of difference among the madhahib, helping students navigate contemporary Zakat challenges with balance and confidence.

This course is suitable for Aalimiyyah students, Imams and khateebs, Islamic studies graduates, business owners and professionals, and serious learners seeking applied fiqh knowledge. By the end of the course, students will gain practical calculation skills, confidence in answering real-life Zakat questions, and a deeper appreciation of Zakat as a transformative institution in Islam.

Key Pain Points This Course Solves

Confusion about Zakat on businesses, shares, savings, and debts.
Uncertainty in applying classical fiqh to modern financial realities.
Lack of confidence in calculating Zakat accurately and answering Zakat queries.

Practical Benefits of the Course

Learn step-by-step Zakat calculations for individuals and businesses.
Gain clarity on modern Zakat issues through real case studies.
Develop confidence to advise others responsibly on Zakat matters.
Understand madhhab differences without confusion or contradiction.

Learning Objectives

By enrolling in this course, students will:

Understand the philosophy, objectives, and socio-economic role of Zakat.
Study the core rulings of Zakat according to Hanafi fiqh.
Analyse Zakat obligations on trade, businesses, and modern assets.
Compare Hanafi rulings with other madhahib on key Zakat issues.
Apply Zakat rulings confidently to real-life financial scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Explain Zakat as a pillar of Islam with legal and economic dimensions.
Identify zakatable and non-zakatable assets with clarity.
Calculate Zakat accurately for individuals, traders, and businesses.
Apply Zakat rulings to shares, debts, and commercial assets.
Respond confidently to contemporary Zakat questions and case studies.

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Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

Are the course structure, content, and schedule guaranteed to remain the same?

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of relevant bodies or revisions to subject benchmark statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar.Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: admin@albalaghacademy.org or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

Attending live sessions, while not mandatory for course progression, is strongly encouraged. Prominent scholars and educators highlight the unique value of live attendance, emphasizing its role in the authentic transfer of knowledge. Live participation fosters an interactive learning environment, allowing for real-time questions, discussions, and clarifications that are not as easily replicated through recorded materials. This live engagement is seen as essential for a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter, echoing the tradition and Adab of scholarly learning.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you miss a live session, don't worry! You can access the recorded sessions, presentations, and relevant materials on your course dashboard within 24 - 48 hours after the live class is delivered. Our admin team uploads the content promptly so you can catch up on what you missed and be well-prepared for the next live class. Simply log in to the ILM Student portal and find the materials under the respective course section if you miss a scheduled live lecture.

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

For inquiries about instructor contact information, please reach out to the course administrator directly. Instructor details will be shared only with their explicit consent. However, participants are encouraged to connect through group discussions.

( Please note, they often have demanding schedules and may not always be able to address individual queries. We encourage you to attend live sessions and utilize the Q&A period for questions. For queries post-lecture, feel free to contact our administrators, and we will do our best to assist. Responses from instructors will depend on their availability. Thank you for your understanding.)

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

For any doubts or discussions, join the dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups where you can engage with peers for question clarification and discussions. Course instructors may be part of these groups at their discretion. If you need to contact a specific instructor, please reach out to the Admin Team.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab. Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

How long will I have access to the free online course(s)?

For free courses the access time for your course is 6 Months.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: admin@albalaghacademy.org or by phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2-3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Our course grading policy is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject matter. To successfully pass, students are required to achieve a minimum grade of 40% across all courses. Here's how your performance will be evaluated:

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.
Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses ?

If you have questions or need assistance during your journey, our dedicated support team is here for you. Your success is our priority. Please be patient as our team works round the clock to provide support.

📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses ?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:

For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store

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Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!

Learn More About Our Courses?

Email us: info@albalaghacademy.org

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