5. The Third Pillar: Zakat

5. The Third Pillar: Zakat

The third Pillar of Islam is zakat, or charity.  The Qur'an says wealthy people should share their riches with the less fortunate, a practice that remains a basic part of Islam.

The word zakat means “purification.” Muslims believe that wealth becomes pure by giving some of it away, and that sharing wealth helps control greed. Zakat also reminds people of God's great gifts to them.

According to the teachings of Islam, Muslims must share about one-fortieth (2.5 percent) of their surplus wealth each year with their poorer neighbors. They are encouraged to give even more. Individuals decide the proper amount to pay. Then they may either give this sum to a religious official or distribute it themselves.

Zakat helps provide for many needs. In medieval times, zakat often went to constructing public fountains, so everyone had clean water to drink, or to inns so that pilgrims and travelers had a place to sleep. If you walk down a busy street in any Muslim town today, you will see the effects of zakat everywhere. Zakat pays for soup kitchens, clothing, and shelter for the poor. It supports the building and running of orphanages and hospitals. Poorer Muslims may receive funds to pay off their debts. Zakat provides aid to stranded travelers.

Zakat also helps other good causes that serve the Muslim community. For instance, it can cover the school fees of children whose parents cannot afford to send them to schools. It can be used to pay teachers.

Zakat is similar to charitable giving in other religions. For instance, Jews ask for charitable giving and actions to help the needy and the community, a concept called tzedakah (TZE-DAH-KAH), meaning justice and fairness. Christians also ask for donations, called tithes (TYTHZ), to support their houses of worship and charitable activities.

Multiple Choice

Zakat helps...

• good causes

• bad causes

Multiple Choice

Hakeem is a devout Muslim who made $120,000 this year. After all his expenses, he has $40,000 in surplus wealth. By the teachings of zakat, what is the minimum amount Hakeem is obligated to share with his less fortunate neighbors?

• 4,000

• 1,000

• 50,000

Multiple Choice

What is zakat

• Zakat is the practice of greed.

• Zakat is the practice of charity.

Multiple Choice

why do Muslims practice Zakat?

• to reminds people of God’s gifts.

• to take your money away

Multiple Choice

How much of their surplus wealth are Muslims expected to give to charity?

• 100%

• 2.5%

• 25%

Multiple Choice

Surplus means..

• extra

• not enough