ZAKAT

THE THIRD PILLAR OF ISLAM

B Y K A R I S A V O I E

The Basic Ideas

• Zakat translates to the word “purification.” Muslims believed that wealth was more pure if you were charitable.

• The basic idea of Zakat is being charitable and giving goods and money to others who have less.

• Muhammad introduced this idea when he told the rich to give to the poor.

• In Islam, all Muslims gave Zakat in one way or another. It was mandatory to give 2.5% of your crop surpluses or money to the poor.

• Zakat also helped pay school tuition for needy children, as well as paying teachers.

Examples of Giving

Zakat in Medieval Times

• Money went towards building public fountains, because not everyone had clean water.

• Inns were constructed with charity money to house travelers and pilgrims.

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Modern-day

Zakat

• In Muslim countries today, Zakat is still present.

• Soup kitchens, shelters, hospitals, and orphanages are built and ran, and clothes are distributed.

• Zakat is similar to the mandatory donations of the Jews and Christians, which are called tithes.

THE END