What is Zakah (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

The Role & Significance of Zakah

What is Zakah?

• Zakah is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam, so is a compulsory duty for Sunni Muslims

• Zakah is the practice of a Muslim giving a contribution of 2.5 percent of their wealth to benefit the poor and needy

  • This amount is paid at the end of each lunar year

• Islam teaches that wealth is a gift from Allah which must be used responsibly, and all Muslims who can afford it have a duty to share some of their earnings with those in need

• The recipients of Zakah include those who are in poverty or debt, comfort for those who are travelling, or ransom for prisoners of war

  • This is in accordance with the teaching from the Qur’an

• Zakah is managed in different ways

  • In Muslim countries, Zakah is given to the state

  • In other countries such as the UK, it is given to the mosque who will distribute it to those in need

  • Some Zakah money is used by Islamic charities such as Muslim Aid or Islamic Relief in response to world emergencies and disasters

• Zakah is a confidential donation; the giver does not know who receives their money, and the recipient does not know who the donor was

• Zakah is only given by those who can afford to give. The minimum wealth requirement is known as nisab, based on how much wealth a person has once they have provided for their family’s basic needs

Why is Zakah Important for Muslims?

• Zakah is historically important - it has existed since the time of the Prophet Muhammad and is mentioned in the Qur’an

• As one of the Five Pillars, it is a duty that Muslims must undertake

• It is a way to create a fairer and more united society that supports the Ummah

• Zakah means ‘purification’ in Arabic; giving this contribution means a Muslim’s wealth is ‘purified.’ The donation becomes a source of goodness for others and what remains is blessed and purified

• Zakah can help to free a person from greed and selfishness, helping them to be more spiritual and less materialistic

• Muslims believe Zakah is a form of worshipping Allah, and it is listed alongside prayer and obeying Allah in the Qur’an as a way to receive mercy

• At the akhirah Muslims will be judged on their actions and Allah will reward these acts of kindness

• The consequences of not paying Zakah is serious for those who can afford to but do not use their money wisely; the Qur’an says  

Zakah & Sunni Muslims; Khums & Shi'a Muslims

What is Khums?

• Shi’a Muslims give Zakah but also pay Khums

• Khums means one fifth; it is the practice of paying 20 percent of your wealth to other causes, based on the Qur’an teaching

• It is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts

• At the time of Muhammad, the 20 percent would have been given to the Imam, who would distribute it as he chose

• Traditionally, the money has gone to the needy, but also to help causes that advance the cause of Islam. 

  • For example, Khums may be used on Islamic schools and education, mosques, and any religious cause

 Why is Khums Important for Shi’a Muslims?

• As one of the Ten Obligatory Acts, Khums is a duty for Shi’a Muslims. 

  • Sunni Muslims recognise it as historically important, but do not place the same emphasis on it

• It is important because it benefits the poor and suffering

• It is important because of the good that it does in promoting Islam through education

• It honours Muhammad and the leaders of Shi’a Islam, who have always distributed the wealth wisely

The Benefits of Receiving Zakah & Khums

• Zakah and Khums can be of immense value to the lives of people who receive it

  • The money can help to lift people out of poverty and improve their quality of life

  • It also benefits people who can get better access to education when Khums is used for educational projects

  • It can help the Ummah by ensuring that the message of Islam is promoted well