Zakah: The Duty of Almsgiving in Islam

This section explains Zakah. Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a key practice of charity and social responsibility for Muslims. It requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth (above a certain threshold) to those in need. This wealth must be after the individual has paid for their basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their families. This ensures that those who are financially struggling are not burdened by the obligation to give Zakah.

The act of giving Zakah is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual practice. Muslims believe that all wealth ultimately belongs to Allah and that they are merely custodians or stewards of their possessions. By giving away a portion of their wealth, Muslims purify their hearts and their wealth, as it helps to reduce greed and attachment to material possessions. The Qur'an teaches that giving in charity cleanses the soul and leads to greater blessings. It is said that those who give Zakah will receive a “hundred-fold” return in the afterlife (Qur'an 2:261), emphasising the spiritual rewards of charity.

In countries such as the UK, Muslims typically perform Zakah by either donating directly to recognised charities, such as Muslim Aid, or by contributing to collections at their local mosque. These contributions are then distributed to the poor, the needy, and those in hardship. In many Islamic countries, Zakah is often collected through a formal tax system, with funds being managed by the state or designated religious authorities and then redistributed to those in need.

The primary purpose of Zakah is to ensure that wealth is redistributed within society, alleviating poverty and supporting the less fortunate. By giving Zakah, Muslims not only fulfil a religious duty but also help to create a more just and compassionate society. The belief is that in helping others, Muslims are ultimately serving Allah, as supporting one another is seen as an expression of fulfilling their duty to God.

Qur'an 9:60 states:
“Alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need winning over, to free slaves and help those in debt, for God’s cause, and for travellers in need.”

This verse outlines the categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakah, further emphasising the importance of targeting those in genuine need and ensuring that the money reaches its rightful recipients.

Sadaqah: Voluntary Charity Beyond Zakah

In addition to the obligatory Zakah, Muslims are strongly encouraged to give voluntary charity throughout the year. This is known as Sadaqah, and it can take many forms, both in terms of money and time. Unlike Zakah, which has a set percentage, Sadaqah is voluntary and is given whenever a Muslim feels moved to help those in need. There is no set amount, and it can be given at any time, in any quantity, depending on the individual's means and generosity.

Sadaqah is a powerful way for Muslims to demonstrate compassion and kindness, and it allows them to help others in a more personal and direct way. This form of charity can include not just financial donations, but also acts of kindness such as helping a neighbour, offering time to volunteer, or sharing knowledge and advice. By giving Sadaqah, Muslims seek to purify their hearts, strengthen their connection to Allah, and improve their communities.

The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “Even a smile is a form of charity” (Sahih Muslim), emphasising that charitable actions are not limited to financial contributions alone but can encompass a wide range of good deeds.

Khums: The One-Fifth Tax

Khums is a practice specific to Shi’a Muslims, and it is similar in nature to Zakah, but with a few differences in its application. The word "Khums" literally means “a fifth” and historically, it was a tax levied on the spoils of war, with a portion being given to the religious leaders or scholars who guided the community. Today, Shi'a Muslims are required to give 20% (one-fifth) of their annual savings to charity, specifically for the support of Islamic education, religious leaders, and the poor.

Khums is divided into two parts:

The first half is given to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sayyids, who are believed to be in need of financial support, as they are not allowed to receive Zakah.

The second half is used for religious purposes, such as supporting Islamic scholars, religious institutions, and educational projects within the Shi’a community.

By giving Khums, Shi’a Muslims demonstrate their commitment to the principles of social justice, education, and religious leadership. Like Zakah, Khums is intended to help support the community by providing financial aid to those who require it, whilst also strengthening the infrastructure of the faith.

The Role of Charity in Islam

In Islam, Zakah, Sadaqah, and Khums are all vital practices that emphasise the importance of charity, community, and the redistribution of wealth. These acts of giving are not only seen as ways of helping the poor and those in need, but also as a means of purifying the soul and fulfilling one’s spiritual duties. Muslims believe that wealth is a trust from Allah, and that by giving to others, they are fulfilling their responsibility to support the community and bring about social justice.

Together, these forms of charity help to create a more equitable society, ensuring that the less fortunate are cared for, and that no one is left behind. Through these acts of generosity, Muslims strengthen their relationship with Allah, develop a sense of compassion for others, and contribute to the well-being of the entire community.