Zakah Flashcards
What does zakah mean?
Purification - believed to purify a person’s heart of greed.
What is nisab?
The minimum net worth of an individual required to pay zakah.
What is zakah paid on?
Not just on monetary savings, but a range of possessions, such as livestock and produce.
How much do Muslims pay?
It varies, but in the West, most give 2.5% of earnings that are above the nisab. Each Muslim is individually accountable for paying the correct amount.
How is the money collected?
- In Muslim countries the government collects it in much the same way as a tax
- In other countries (including the UK) zakah is collected at local mosques
What happens to the money after collection?
It is distributed to help the needy within the Muslim community as well as being used for religious purposes.
Why is it not considered charity giving?
Because Muslims believe it is simply the sharing of the wealth given by Allah, and all Muslims have a right to share this. A Muslim who receives money from zakah should not feel lessened by it, but instead blessed by Allah.
What is zakah a way of?
Zakah is a way of making society fairer and showing practical concern for those in need.
What do some Muslims do in addition to zakah?
Make further voluntary donations, known as sadaqah. Unlike with zakah there are no limits or guidelines.
Why do Muslims give zakah? (relating to the Qur’an)
Muhammad linked giving to charity to being saved from Hell itself. Allah is aware of what is done (Surah 2:215).
What do Shi’as pay as one of the Ten obligatory acts?
Khums
What are khums?
An Islamic tax on 20% of a person’s excess earnings.
What do khums include?
Payments on property as well as wealth gained from holy war as commanded in the Qur’an.
How often are khums payed?
Once every year, and should be given to the religious scholar as person follows.
Where does the money raised from khums go to?
It goes to help the poor as well as to supposed Islamic organisations, e.g. madrasahs (Muslim schools).
