Zakah

• Zakah is a religious obligation to give charity and allows you to purify your wealth. Wealth is on loan from God, so some should be used to help others. A sum of 2.5% is paid on income and savings to the mosque for distribution for community to causes.
• Children do not have to pay zakah, but some guardians may pay on their behalf.
• In countries with Shariah Law, it is illegal to not pay Zakah.
• The Nisab threshold

  The minimum amount a Muslim must have before being prescribed to pay Zakah
• "Alms are for the poor and needy" Surah 2
• "Know that whatever you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah, for the Messenger, for the near relative and the orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer" Surah 8
• Khums means a fifth in Arabic. This tax is paid on any profit earned by Shia muslims. Traditionally recipients of khums have been decicded by Shia leaders. For example: Descendants of Muhammed, Education projects and those in need.
• The importance of giving Zakah includes:

  • To purify and cleanse your wealth - makes the remaining money clean
  • Share the blessing of wealth
  • Prevents greed
  • Money benefits both the giver and receiver (giver in afterlife)
  • If everyone gave zakah there would be no poverty - stewardship
  • Fulfils your duty