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.
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