Zakat: The Practice of Charity
Pillar 3
What is Zakat?
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is an obligatory act of charity. It requires Muslims who meet a certain wealth threshold (known as the Nisab) to donate a fixed portion of their eligible assets, typically 2.5%, to those in need. The word 'Zakat' means 'to purify', reflecting the belief that giving purifies the donor's remaining wealth and soul.
Who Receives Zakat?
The Quran specifies eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat funds, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most:
- The poor (Al-Fuqara')
- The needy (Al-Masakin)
- Zakat administrators
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (new Muslims)
- Those in bondage (slaves and captives)
- Those in debt
- In the cause of Allah
- The wayfarer (travelers in need)
The Impact of Zakat
Zakat is a cornerstone of the Islamic economic system, designed to reduce economic inequality and alleviate poverty. It serves as a social safety net, fostering a sense of community responsibility and compassion. By institutionalizing the act of giving, Zakat ensures a systematic redistribution of wealth, reminding Muslims that their possessions are a trust from Allah and should be used to benefit society as a whole.