The development of digital technology has created many new professions in recent years. One of the professions that is now widely pursued by young people is content creator. Their income comes in various forms, ranging from platform advertisements, endorsements, brand sponsorships, digital product sales, affiliations, to the monetization of educational content. Many of them earn a regular monthly income, and some even earn more than the average employee’s salary. This raises the question of whether content creators are required to pay zakat on their income.
In Islam, zakat is intended to purify wealth and foster social solidarity. Zakat is also a means of distributing some of one’s wealth to those in need. Therefore, even though the profession of content creator was not known in classical times, the principle of zakat can still be applied through the ijtihad of contemporary scholars.
Zakat on Income in the Perspective of Contemporary Scholars
Some scholars argue that content creators are required to pay zakat on their income if it reaches the nishab threshold. Income from advertisements, sponsorships, or commissions is considered halal earnings. Therefore, the zakat imposed is zakat on income or zakat on profession. The amount of zakat remains at 2.5 percent of the total income received that exceeds the minimum nishab.
This opinion refers to the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council, which states that all forms of income, whether from salaries, honoraria, or other professional income, are subject to zakat if they reach the nishab. Scholars such as Yusuf al-Qaradhawi view income zakat as a form of actualizing social justice values in the modern era. In practice, zakat can be paid upon receipt of payment or collected monthly according to preference.
Some of the reasons often used as the basis for this view include verse 267 of Surah Al-Baqarah regarding the obligation to spend part of one’s earnings, as well as the general concept that any wealth obtained from lawful means can be subject to zakat if it meets the requirements.
The Opinion of Classical Scholars Who Require Haul
On the other hand, there are also scholars who argue that content creators do not have a specific zakat obligation on their monthly income. They adhere to the provisions of zakat mal in classical fiqh. In this view, zakat is only imposed if the wealth has been stored for a full year and reaches the nishab. In other words, content creators only pay zakat from their savings, not from their monthly income.
Their argument is that there are no specific provisions during the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW regarding zakat on work income. Therefore, they adhere to the principle of zakat mal, which is wealth that is stored and not reduced for basic needs. This view is considered more cautious in determining obligations and ensuring that zakat is not imposed without a basis in the text.
When Are Content Creators Required to Pay Zakat?
According to the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and most zakat institutions in Indonesia, content creators are required to pay zakat on their income if their income is equivalent to the nishab. The nishab is usually calculated based on the value of 85 grams of gold per year, which can then be proportioned into a monthly limit to facilitate calculation.
If a content creator’s income reaches or exceeds this threshold, zakat is paid at a rate of 2.5 percent. If their income fluctuates, they can calculate zakat from their total income for one month or do an annual recap. The choice of method is adjusted according to individual beliefs, because in fiqh there is room for differences of opinion.
Several important points that are often of concern in the case of content creators are as follows. First, the income of content creators is considered professional income, so it falls under the category of business income. Second, zakat on income is an ijtihad (independent reasoning) of scholars to respond to the needs of the times. Third, the amount of zakat remains at 2.5 percent, provided that the nishab (minimum amount) is met. Fourth, Muslims are allowed to choose the opinion that they feel is most appropriate based on the arguments and views of trusted scholars.
How to Calculate Zakat for Content Creators in a Practical Way
One of the simplest ways is to calculate the net income in a month. For example, a content creator receives sponsorship payments, revenue from platforms, and affiliate commissions in a month. If the total reaches the monthly nishab limit, then he or she can pay 2.5 percent zakat.
For those who want to follow the classical opinion, they can record their monthly income, save a portion in a savings account, and then calculate the total savings after one year. If the total reaches the annual nishab, 2.5 percent zakat mal can be paid. The difference in these methods is respected in Islam as long as both are based on clear references, not merely seeking convenience.
Why Content Creators Need to Think About Zakat
The content creator profession has great economic potential. Many of them have stable incomes and even exceed the average income of other professions at a young age. Zakat is a way to maintain blessings and foster a sense of social responsibility towards society. In addition, zakat from creative income can be a new source of goodness to benefit many parties, especially those who need assistance in education, health, or business capital.
Read also: Income Zakat: What Percentage? Find out the Calculation Here
Zakat is not only an obligation, but also a form of gratitude for the sustenance given by Allah. By distributing zakat regularly, a content creator can ensure that a portion of their sustenance returns to the welfare of the people.
For content creators who want to pay income zakat easily, safely, and accurately, distributing it through a trusted institution is the right choice. Dompet Dhuafa is one of the zakat institutions that has been managing zakat, infaq, and waqf since 1993 with a focus on education, health, economy, and humanitarian programs that have a long-term impact. Through institutions such as Dompet Dhuafa, a content creator’s zakat can help many people in need and make a real contribution to social progress.
Differences of opinion regarding income zakat demonstrate the intellectual richness of Islamic fiqh tradition. Some scholars require content creators to pay income zakat, while others require haul. Both have strong arguments and legal bases. The most important thing is to choose an opinion based on knowledge and follow credible scholars, not merely to avoid obligations or follow one’s desires.
As long as the terms and conditions are met, content creators can pay income zakat as a form of social responsibility and worship that brings blessings. For anyone who wants to distribute income zakat in a trustworthy and impactful way, Dompet Dhuafa is ready to be a bridge of kindness.
