5 - Zakah (Zakat)

• Khalifah - A khalifah is a steward. It is their duty to care for nature on behalf of Allah
• Zakah -

  • Zakah is the 3rd Pillar if Islam. It is fard (obligatory)
  • It is the duty to practice charity (e.g. giving money to the poor)
  • All Muslims are expected to give 2.5% of their surplus wealth every year after taking off living expenses for them and family
  • It is a form of worship, to be generous and kind for the benefit of humanity
• Sharing Wealth -

  • Wealth is given to us by Allah, for the benefit of all humans
  • Humans are Khalifahs
  • Wealth is a test from Allah - you will be judged by how you use it
  • Sharing will be rewarded of the Day of Judgement
• Purify Money -

  • Giving to the money is a sign of cleansing and purity
  • Wealth can be an evil thing as it makes people greedy
  • Zakat purifies money and reminds Muslims that money is to be shared
• Gambling and Interest -

  • Muslims will not gamble as it is a sin that encourages greed
  • Muslims are not allowed to lend money for profit, so they cannot charge interest on a loan as this is getting money for nothing
  • Money is to be shared and you must not exploit those who need to borrow
• Spending Zakah -

  • The money is collected once a year in the mosque
  • 3 main groups who benefit from Zakah are the poor, needy and travellers
  • It is distributed privately to the needy so no one is made to feel ashamed
  • It can pay for education about Islam
  • Charities such as Islamic relief distribute Zakah for things such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare and education
• Saddaqah -

  • Voluntary giving is important too (Saddaqah)
  • Saddaqah is any good deed done out of compassion or generosity
  • It could be a gift of time, or money to homeless people
  • Muslims often give Saddaqah is they want forgiveness for a sin they have committed of they want to thank God for something