Khums Made Simple: What It Is, Who Pays It, and Why It Matters

Many Muslims have heard of khums but still feel unsure about what it actually means.

Some are unclear whether it applies to them, while others are uncertain about why it exists in the first place.

This lack of clarity can make khums feel distant or difficult to approach.

This guide is here to help.

Khums is a system designed by Allah (swt) to purify wealth, support justice, and strengthen the global community.

By the end of this article, khums should feel clearer, more approachable, and more meaningful.

What is Khums? 

Khums is one of the branches of religion and is a wajib financial obligation in Islam. 
 
The word “khums” literally means one-fifth. 
 
In practice, khums refers to 20 percent of surplus wealth that remains after a person has covered their necessary living expenses for the year. 
 
This surplus may come from savings, investments, or income that was not needed for essential costs such as housing, food, or daily living. 
 
Khums is not taken from what you rely on to live. It applies only to what is left over. 
 
The obligation of khums is established clearly in the Quran. 
 
Allah (swt) says: 

“Know that whatever of a thing you acquire (as wealth), a fifth (khumus) of it is for Allah (swt), for the Messenger (saww), for the near relative (i.e., the Imam from the Prophet’s progeny), the orphans, the needy and the stranded traveller (from the Prophet’s progeny).”

Surah Anfal, Verse 41

This verse outlines both the source and the purpose of khums, showing that it is deeply connected to faith, responsibility, and care for others.

Imam Al-Baqir (as) explained this verse further when he said:

“It (verse 41 from Surah al-Anfal) refers to the relatives of the Messenger of Allah (saww). Al-Khums (one fifth) belongs to Allah (saww), the Messenger (saww) and to us.” 

Al-Kafi, v.1

Together, the ayah and the hadith clarify that khums is not a later development or optional practice.

It is a divinely mandated system with clear recipients and a clear spiritual purpose.

More Than a Payment, A Path to Purification 

Khums in Islam is not simply a financial transaction. It is an act of worship. 
 
By giving khums, a believer purifies their wealth and acknowledges that everything they earn ultimately comes from Allah (swt). 
 
This act nurtures gratitude, humility, and responsibility, while also ensuring that wealth does not become a source of imbalance or injustice. 
 
Khums allows believers to participate in something larger than themselves, connecting personal finances to the preservation of faith, knowledge, and dignity within the global community. 

Who Pays Khums? 

Khums is not limited to scholars or to people with large incomes.

Who pays khums depends on whether a person has surplus wealth, not on how much they earn overall.

If, at the end of your khums year, you have wealth left over after covering necessary expenses, then khums applies to that surplus.

If there is no surplus, there is no khums due.

This approach ensures fairness and balance, making khums applicable according to individual circumstances.

What is Khums Required Upon? 

According to Ayatollah Sistani (ha), khums is required upon seven categories of wealth: 

• Surplus income from earnings and gains, including unused items 
• Mined products and minerals 
• Treasures 
• Halal wealth mixed with haram wealth 
• Precious stones obtained from the sea by diving 
• Spoils of war 
• Land that a dhimm purchases from a Muslim 

A dhimm refers to a person from the People of the Book who has entered into an agreement granting them protected status within an Islamic society. 
 
For most people today, khums applies primarily to surplus income and savings. 

How Khums Works and How It Is Divided 

Khums is divided into two equal parts, each serving a distinct purpose: Sehme Imam and Sehme Sadaat.

Together, these two portions show how khums sustains both religious leadership and vulnerable members of society in a balanced and principled way.

Sehme Imam 

The first half is known as Sehme Imam, which represents the share of Imam Mahdi (ajtfs).

During the period of the Imam’s (ajtfs) occultation, this portion is managed under the permission and guidance of qualified religious authorities, who use it in ways they believe are pleasing to the Imam (ajtfs).

Today, Sehme Imam is used to support poor and needy believers, respond to crises such as natural disasters or conflict, propagate the teachings of Islam, and sustain scholars who dedicate their lives to teaching and guiding the community.

It also funds religious institutions, seminaries, teachers, and students, ensuring that centres of learning and faith can continue to operate.

Much of this support reaches communities around the world through authorised channels, helping preserve religious knowledge and care for those in need.

Sehme Sadaat 

The second half is called Sehme Sadaat.

This portion is allocated to needy descendants of Prophet Muhammad (saww).

Islam recognises their unique status and ensures they are supported with dignity, without resorting to general charity.

This system preserves honour while addressing real hardship.

How is Khums Calculated? 

Khums is calculated once each year, based on a khums date chosen by the individual. 
 
This date can follow either the Gregorian calendar or the Islamic calendar. 
 
For example, some people choose 1 January each year, while others select a date such as 1 Muharram. 
 
On that date, you review the wealth that remains from the past year after necessary expenses. 
 
Twenty percent (20%) of that surplus is the khums due. 
 
If you are unsure how to calculate this, you can seek guidance from your marja’s office or a trusted scholar. 
 
You can also use our Khums calculator to determine how much your khums obligation is. 

How do I Pay Khums? 

Khums can be paid in a few recognised ways:

• Directly to your marja or their authorised representative 
• Through a trusted organisation that holds ijaza to collect khums on behalf of your marja 

Many believers choose authorised organisations like The Zahra Trust so their khums can be distributed responsibly and reach those most in need. 
 
Efforts connected to The Zahra Trust demonstrate how khums supports education, religious leadership, and vulnerable families across the global community. 

The Real-World Impact of Khums 

When khums is fulfilled with understanding, its impact becomes visible.

Khums supports scholars, sustains centres of learning, and helps families facing hardship maintain dignity and stability.

In many parts of the world, khums plays a quiet but vital role in preserving faith, knowledge, and care for those most in need.

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