Zakah, Salah & Sawm Flashcards
What is zakah?
ZAKAH is giving 2.5% of wealth to those in need. Other
donations to charity, called SADAQAH are encouraged
too. Zakah is given to the poor, needy (eg widows or
orphans) and travellers. Islamic Relief receives Zakat
Why do muslims give Zakah?
All wealth is a gift from Allah It is not wrong to be wealthy;
the more wealthy you are the more generous you should
be. Muhammad paid Zakah.
* It is a way of purifying yourself and making sure money
does not corrupt you.
What is Salah?
- SALAH – prayer five times a day. This means that a Muslim remembers Allah throughout the day and
remembers to live as a good Muslim. It shows submission to God & removes sins.
How does Salah work?
The times of prayer are Fajr - just after dawn, Zukh - just after midday, As’r - late afternoon, Maghrib - just
after sunset, Isha - after dark.
* Before prayer Muslims prepare themselves to meet God by performing WUDU - a washing ritual.
* When praying they perform a series of movements called RAKAH. These including bowing (Ruku’) to show
respect to God and prostration (Sajjah) which shows how great God is.
* Muslims face the KABAH in MAKKAH when they pray - this is believed to be on the site of the first place of
worship built on earth and therefore shows unity of believers throughout history & throughout the world.
* Attending the Mosque at midday on Friday for JUMMAH PRAYERS where the Iman gives a sermon.
Standing together in prayer shows equality. Prayer unites all Muslims.
* Du’a prayers are personal prayers which may be said at any time.
What is Sawm?
For the 30 days of the month of Ramadan Muslims do not eat, drink, smoke or have marital relations during
day light hours.
Why is sawm important?
Allah says, “You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for
those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.”
How does sawm work?
They are supposed to live as a perfect Muslim for this month, keeping to the times of prayer, spending time
reading the Qur’an, not arguing, swearing or gossiping. Zakah is paid during this month.
* Each day the fast is broken with the iftar meal. These are social occasions when family & friends get together
* The month remembers the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to Muhammad. The entire Qur’an is
recited in mosques during this month.
* Laylatul Qadr - the night of power on the 27th day of Ramadan is the date of the first revelation of the Qur’an
when the Angel Jibril visited Muhammad. Muslims will spend this night praying & reading the Qur’an.
