Ismaili followers give 12.5% of their total income as “Dasond”. This is quite different from the Zakat that Sunni Muslims pay, which is 2.5% on savings, not income. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: Key Differences Between Dasond and Zakat: 1. How Much and From What: Zakat is 2.5% of your savings—basically, what’s left after covering your expenses, as long as it crosses a minimum threshold (nisab). Ismailis hand over 12.5% of their income, regardless of expenses or savings. 2. Who Gets It: Zakat is meant to directly support specific groups, like the poor, people in debt, or those traveling and in need (more on that below). You can pay it directly yourself or through a charity. Dasond is given to the Aga Khan, the Ismaili community’s spiritual leader, who uses it for big projects. 3. Why It’s Given: Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and focuses on wealth purification and helping others in need. Dasond is more about spiritual devotion and trust in the Imam’s leadership. How Zakat Works in Sunni Islam: Zakat is only required if your savings cross the nisab—a threshold based on the value of gold or silver (e.g., around 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver). For example: 87.48 grams of gold In USD: = $5,248.80 87.48 grams of gold In GBP: = £4,197.12 Zakat Calculation: 1. In USD: Zakat = 2.5% of $5,248.80 = $131.22 2. In GBP: Zakat = 2.5% of £4,197.12 = £104.93 It’s paid on wealth that’s sitting unused, like cash, gold, investments, or extra property— NOT ON INCOME or what you use for daily living. Certain expenses, like paying off debts or necessities like rent and food, are excluded from Zakat calculations. Where Zakat Goes: The Quran lists eight categories for Zakat recipients (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60): 1. The Poor – People who have no steady income. 2. The Needy – Those who earn but still can’t cover basic needs. 3. Zakat Workers – People who handle Zakat collection and distribution. 4. New Muslims – Converts who need financial help. 5. To Free Slaves – Helping people out of slavery or captivity. 6. To Help Debtors – Those burdened by overwhelming debts. 7. In Allah’s Cause – For projects that benefit Islam, like building mosques ,education etc.. 8. Travelers in Need – Stranded people without resources. In a Nutshell: Zakat is based on savings after meeting basic needs and goes directly to specific groups for immediate relief. Dasond , the Ismaili currupted version of Zakat , is based on total income and is centralized with their Aga Khan.