The Articles Of Faith And The Pillars Of Islam: Alms-Giving, Zakat, How It Is Performed And Its Significance In The CommunityCopy
Zakat (Alms-Giving) – Quick Revision Cheat Sheet
| Aspect | Details | Qur’an / Hadith Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Third Pillar of Islam; obligatory charity on wealth once it reaches nisab and a year passes | Qur’an 9:60 – recipients of zakat listed |
| Meaning | From root word zakā = purification and growth | Purifies wealth and soul |
| Who Must Pay | Every Muslim adult with wealth above nisab | Hadith: “Islam is built on five pillars… paying zakat” (Bukhari) |
| Rate | • 2.5% on savings, gold, silver, business goods• 5–10% on agricultural produce (depending on irrigation)• Varied rates for livestock | Fixed by Sunnah |
| Collection | In early Islam, collected by state; today, often via mosques, charities, or personal distribution | Caliph Abu Bakr fought those refusing zakat |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course
Recipients of Zakat (Qur’an 9:60)
| Category | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Poor (fuqara) | Those without wealth or income |
| Needy (masakin) | Struggling but not begging |
| Collectors (amilin) | Those appointed to distribute zakat |
| New Muslims (mu’allafah qulubuhum) | To strengthen hearts of converts |
| Slaves (riqab) | For freeing captives |
| Debtors (gharimin) | To help pay off debts |
| In the path of Allah (fi sabilillah) | For religious, educational, or welfare causes |
| Wayfarers (ibn al-sabil) | Stranded travellers in need |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course
Significance of Zakat in the Community
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Spiritual | Purifies wealth, removes greed, gains Allah’s pleasure |
| Social | Reduces poverty, creates solidarity, prevents crime |
| Economic | Circulates wealth, prevents hoarding, boosts welfare |
| Political | Builds trust between rulers and people, ensures fairness |
| Moral | Encourages generosity, selflessness, and compassion |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course
Examples in Practice
- A Muslim with savings of gold worth above nisab pays 2.5% yearly.
- Farmers give 10% of harvest irrigated by rain.
- Charities collect zakat in Ramadan to support orphans and widows.
- Communities use zakat funds to build schools, hospitals, and welfare systems.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course