Building a Trusted Zakat Ecosystem for Sri Lanka
Transforming Zakat Through Trust and Coordination
Zakat Foundation for Development – Sri Lanka is a non-profit socio-economic institution working to strengthen the understanding and institutional management of Zakat across the country.
Through professional services, institutional collaboration, research, technology and capacity building, ZFD connects Zakat payers, regional institutions and eligible beneficiaries within a more transparent and sustainable ecosystem.
ZFD visually and functionally acts as the platform connecting and strengthening the whole system—enabling regional Baitul Zakat institutions to operate with peak accountability.
Zakat Payers & Donors
Individual wealth holders, corporate institutions, and overseas contributors seeking verified Shari'ah calculation & high-impact deployment.
Regional Zakat Committees & Baitul Zakat
District committees, masjid trusts, and local boards managing distribution with standardized accounting and assessments.
“To pioneer a trusted Zakat ecosystem that advances social justice, empowers communities, reduces poverty, and drives sustainable development across Sri Lanka.”
Strengthening the Zakat Ecosystem
Converting our comprehensive national mission into five active institutional pillars of empowerment and governance.
Educate
Promote public understanding of Zakat by providing accurate knowledge of its spiritual, social, and economic significance and purposes.
Advise
Provide reliable Zakat services, including professional consultation, assessment, and calculation for individuals, businesses, and institutions.
Connect
Strengthen collaboration and coordination among regional Zakat committees and local Zakat bodies to promote an effective and well-coordinated Zakat system.
Empower
Build a meaningful bridge between Zakat payers and eligible beneficiaries by facilitating transparent and sustainable Zakat-based development initiatives.
Strengthen
Strengthen institutional capacity through training, research, technology, good governance, and systematic monitoring and assessment of Zakat impact.
Six Capabilities. One Integrated Ecosystem.
ZFD Sri Lanka provides knowledge, advisory, institutional and technology-based services to strengthen the understanding, coordination and professional management of Zakat.
1. Zakat Consultation and Advisory
Professional guidance for individuals, businesses and institutions on Zakat obligations, contemporary investment instruments, and Shari'ah parameters.
Request Consultation2. Zakat Calculation Assistance
Structured support to calculate Zakat accurately on personal wealth, business inventory, equity holdings, agricultural produce, and other forms of wealth.
Use Calculator Tool3. Awareness and Education
Educational support and programmes that build practical Zakat knowledge and strengthen public and institutional understanding across communities.
Request a Workshop4. Institutional Coordination & Capacity Building
Technical assistance, operational training and systems support for regional Zakat committees, masjid boards, and Baitul Zakat bodies.
Register Institution5. Research and Development
Research, community needs assessments and evidence-based support for better Zakat interventions, social finance models, and poverty alleviation strategies.
Explore Research6. Technology and Digitalisation
Digital solutions for calculation, beneficiary database management, distribution reporting, monitoring and real-time accountability.
Digital Pilot AccessLearn. Connect. Strengthen.
Explore conferences, seminars, workshops and professional development programmes designed to strengthen Zakat knowledge and institutional capacity across Sri Lanka.
MISHKATH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE - 2026
A Pathway to Financial Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation in Sri Lanka. Bringing together scholars, economists, policymakers, and Zakat institutions from around the globe.
National Corporate Zakat & Social Finance Seminar
Specialized learning session for corporate directors, accountants, and wealth managers on calculation of business stock, trade equity, Sukuk, and modern portfolios.
Strengthening Zakat Institutional Frameworks
Held at Mandarina Hotel Colombo in collaboration with Mishkath Research Institute. Assembled 90+ scholars and leaders from 40+ Zakat bodies across Sri Lanka.
Knowledge for Better Zakat Management
Explore research, practical guidance, institutional resources and evidence that support professional and sustainable Zakat management in Sri Lanka.
National Assessment of Zakat Management in Sri Lanka
An extensive empirical study on the operational capacity, collection mechanisms, and distribution efficiency of 40+ regional Zakat bodies.
Zakat Calculation Handbook for Businesses & Professionals
Practical guidelines and worksheets for calculating Zakat on business inventories, receivables, company shares, EPF/ETF funds, and modern liabilities.
Governance, Accountability & Shari'ah Audit Standards
Operational benchmark manual designed for regional Baitul Zakat boards to ensure double-entry tracking, transparency, and independent auditing.
Zakat Knowledge Centre
Knowledge is for online learning. Deepen your understanding of obligations, Nisab thresholds, contemporary wealth, and calculation rules.
Understanding Zakat
Spiritual obligations, socio-economic goals, and purification of wealth.
Who Must Pay Zakat?
Nisab qualification, Hawl (1 lunar year completion), and sanity conditions.
What Wealth Is Zakatable?
Gold, silver, currency, business stock, agricultural yields, and equities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers by our Shari'ah advisory council to everyday Zakat questions.
A Connected Regional Zakat Network
ZFD Sri Lanka bridges regional committees, Baitul Zakat bodies, and community partners across every district to establish unified standards, transparent data reporting, and maximum poverty alleviation.
- Active partner regions in Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern provinces
- Participating Zakat institutions undergoing governance and accounting modernization
- Continuous capacity-building programmes and field officer training
- Qualitative socio-economic impact assessments instead of unverified statistics
From Zakat to Sustainable Impact
ZFD's intended operational model creates a transparent continuum from initial assessment to verifiable community transformation.
Community poverty mapping & beneficiary needs assessment
Certified Shari'ah parameters for contemporary wealth
Regional Baitul Zakat alignment & non-duplication
Dignified micro-enterprise & sustainable livelihood grants
Field outcome tracking & financial Shari'ah audits
Policy evolution, capacity upgrades & national reports
Our Core Values
Integrity
Upholding Islamic principles, ethical practice, and faithful adherence to Amanah in every institutional decision.
Transparency
Promoting accountability, good governance, clear financial reporting, and verifiable distribution metrics.
Collaboration
Connecting and strengthening Zakat institutions nationwide, fostering unity and mutual institutional support.
Excellence
Advancing professional standards, academic research, technological innovation, and sustainable impact.
Working Together for Greater Impact
Tailored pathways connecting payers, institutions, and professionals with specific tools and support structures.
Zakat Payers
Calculate with confidence and understand how responsible, institutional Zakat management creates sustainable and dignified socio-economic impact.
Zakat Institutions
Strengthen governance, accounting systems, staff capabilities, beneficiary assessment frameworks, and regional collaboration.
Professionals & Volunteers
Contribute expertise in Islamic finance, socio-economic research, software technology, community development, training, and strategic communication.
Let Us Build a Stronger Zakat Ecosystem Together
Whether you are a Zakat payer, regional institution, professional or community partner, your participation can help strengthen transparent and sustainable Zakat management across Sri Lanka.
1. Who We Are
Zakat Foundation for Development – Sri Lanka is a non-profit socio-economic institution working to strengthen the understanding and institutional management of Zakat across the country.
Through professional services, institutional collaboration, research, technology and capacity building, ZFD connects Zakat payers, regional institutions and eligible beneficiaries within a more transparent and sustainable ecosystem.
2. Why ZFD Was Established
While Zakat is a compulsory pillar with immense socio-economic potential, fragmented local collection, lack of standardized calculation matrices, and absence of unified impact monitoring have constrained its long-term benefits in Sri Lanka.
ZFD was established to bridge these gaps: serving as an authoritative, independent coordinating platform that equips regional committees with standard accounting tools, trained personnel, and Shari'ah oversight.
Our Vision
To pioneer a trusted Zakat ecosystem that advances social justice, empowers communities, reduces poverty, and drives sustainable development across Sri Lanka.
Our Mission
- Promote public understanding of Zakat by providing accurate knowledge of its spiritual, social, and economic significance and purposes.
- Provide reliable Zakat services, including professional consultation, assessment, and calculation for individuals, businesses, and institutions.
- Strengthen collaboration and coordination among regional Zakat committees and local Zakat bodies to promote an effective and well-coordinated Zakat system.
- Build a meaningful bridge between Zakat payers and eligible beneficiaries by facilitating transparent and sustainable Zakat-based development initiatives.
- Strengthen institutional capacity through training, research, technology, good governance, and systematic monitoring and assessment of Zakat impact.
Governance & Independent Leadership
A multi-tiered structure ensuring complete Shari'ah compliance, financial probity, and executive efficiency.
Board of Governors
Senior jurists, chartered auditors, and respected community leaders overseeing strategic direction, statutory audits, and national integrity.
Shari'ah Advisory Board
Accredited Islamic scholars and jurists reviewing Nisab parameters, asset classifications, and Fatwa guidelines.
Executive Directorate
Full-time administrative professionals handling regional capacity workshops, IT databases, and partner communications.
Strategic Partners & Academic Affiliates
ZFD collaborates with leading domestic and international universities, statutory departments, and financial bodies.
Zakat Consultation and Advisory
What the service is:
Professional guidance for individuals, businesses and institutions on Zakat obligations, Shari'ah queries, and contemporary matters.
Who it is for:
Individual wealth holders, family business owners, corporate executives, and fund trustees.
What support ZFD provides:
Direct confidential consultations with certified Muftis, asset evaluation reviews, and fatwa clarifications.
How to request:
Submit an advisory request online or reach our desk via Hotline / WhatsApp: +94 77 789 1344 ( WhatsApp).
Zakat Calculation Assistance
What the service is:
Structured support to calculate Zakat accurately on personal wealth, business inventory, equity holdings, and real estate.
Who it is for:
Business owners, accountants, equity investors, and individuals holding mixed financial portfolios.
What support ZFD provides:
Automated calculation algorithms, downloadable Excel matrix spreadsheets, and audited verification sheets.
How to request:
Access the interactive web tool or submit balance sheets to the calculation technical desk.
Awareness and Education
What the service is:
Programmes and training that build practical Zakat knowledge and public awareness across towns and provinces.
Who it is for:
Masjid congregations, youth groups, trade associations, and educational institutions.
What support ZFD provides:
Certified lecturers, bilingual course materials, trilingual handbooks, and multimedia presentations.
How to request:
Invite ZFD speakers for your local seminar or community session.
Institutional Coordination & Capacity Building
What the service is:
Technical assistance, training and systems support for regional Zakat committees and Baitul Zakat bodies.
Who it is for:
Masjid management boards, regional Baitul Zakat trustees, and field survey volunteers.
What support ZFD provides:
Capacity assessments, standard accounting ledger templates, beneficiary survey questionnaires, and governance manuals.
How to request:
Submit a formal institutional partnership request to join the national framework.
Research and Development
What the service is:
Research, community needs assessments and evidence-based support for high-impact Zakat interventions.
Who it is for:
Academic researchers, policy makers, international Islamic finance bodies, and non-profit leaders.
What support ZFD provides:
Annual reports, national empirical surveys, policy briefs, and international conference convenings.
How to request:
Contact the research secretariat at research@zfd.lk.
Technology and Digitalisation
What the service is:
Digital tools for calculation, beneficiary management, reporting and transparent impact monitoring.
Who it is for:
Regional committees seeking to replace manual paper ledgers with secure cloud-based software.
What support ZFD provides:
Standardized cloud database access, digital beneficiary profiling, receipt generation, and analytical dashboards.
How to request:
Enroll your organization in the upcoming ZFD digital pilot phase.
Explore Programmes by Category
Filter scheduled conferences, technical seminars, governance workshops, and field training sessions.
1. International & National Conferences
MISHKATH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE - 2026
An authoritative 3-day forum bringing together international scholars, central bank economists, university vice-chancellors, and Zakat administrators to formulate an actionable roadmap for poverty alleviation.
Strengthening Zakat Institutional Frameworks
Mandarina Hotel Colombo | Joint Initiative: ZFD & Mishkath Research Institute
Cash & Savings
Hawl RequiredZakat is due if liquid savings reached Nisab at year-start and year-end.
Gold, Silver & Fixed Wealth
'Urf ExemptionPersonal jewellery is zakatable on the amount exceeding customary 'Urf (35 sovereigns in Sri Lankan jurisprudence).
Gold, Silver & Ornaments
Unutilized/Hoarded Fixed Assets
Business Inventory & Trade
Working CapitalBase = (Trading Stock + Cash + Receivables - Current Payables) × Ownership Share.
Salaries, Fees & Rent
Net of SubsistenceLump-sum bonuses or gratuity reaching Nisab independently are payable immediately.
Agriculture & Produce
Due on HarvestZakat is due immediately on harvest if yield > 647 kg rice equivalent (5 Wasaq).
Livestock & Farming
Slab Tier SystemPastoral Livestock (Free-Grazing)
Commercial Farming (Poultry/Dairy)
Marine, Salt & Minerals
Extraction & RiqazDetailed Audit Sheet
Hijri (2.50%)| Category | Due (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Cash & Savings | 0 |
| Gold & Fixed Assets | 0 |
| Business & Trade | 0 |
| Salaries & Rent | 0 |
| Agriculture | 0 |
| Livestock & Farming | 0 |
| Marine & Minerals | 0 |
Zakat Jurisprudence & Practical Guidelines
Authoritative guidance certified by our Shari'ah Advisory Council for individuals and institutions in Sri Lanka.
Understanding Zakat
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam—a prescribed, obligatory transfer of wealth from qualifying individuals to eight designated categories of beneficiaries. Its core goals are purification (Tazkiyah) and socio-economic equity (Adl).
Nisab & Hawl Thresholds
Nisab is the minimum threshold of surplus wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes due. Under classical parameters: 85 grams of 24k gold or 595 grams of pure silver. The wealth must remain above Nisab for one complete lunar year (Hawl).
Business Assets & Equities
For trade and businesses, Zakat applies to current liquid assets: cash in bank + merchandise / finished stock at current wholesale market value + good debts receivable, minus short-term debts and operational overheads immediately due.
The Eight Eligible Asnaf (Beneficiaries)
Prescribed in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60): Fuqara (the poor), Masakin (the needy), Amileen (administrators), Mu'allafah Quloobuhum (reconciliation), Riqab (emancipation), Gharimeen (debtors), Fi Sabeelillah (in the cause of Allah), and Ibnus Sabeel (stranded travellers).
Mishkath International Conference 2026 Announced
ZFD in partnership with Mishkath Research Institute confirms dates for the 3-day International Research Conference at Ramada Colombo.
Over 40 Zakat Bodies Convene at Mandarina Hotel
Historic assembly establishes Sri Lanka's first unified institutional profile questionnaire and data mapping exercise.
Standardized Calculation Software Beta Rollout
Phase 1 deployment of ZFD digital ledger tools across selected pilot Baitul Zakat in the Western and Central provinces.
Office Location
SecretariatZakat Foundation for Development (ZFD)
18 Mount Pleasant, Baseline Rd,
Colombo - 09, Sri Lanka.
View on Google MapsAdvisory & Inquiries
Hotline: +94 77 789 1344
WhatsApp: +94 77 789 1344
Email: info@zfd.lk | support@zfd.lk
Operational Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Advisory Consultation Desk)
Send an Official Inquiry
Select your specific pathway so our dedicated coordinators can respond appropriately.